EAV delivers vehicles to famous Oxford Market
EAV delivers vehicles to famous Oxford Market
Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited, the Oxfordshire-based, world-leading micro-mobility manufacturer, has delivered two new EAV2Cubed vehicles to the famous Oxford Covered Market as part of a £200 000 (about R4 million) government-funded trial investigating new zero-emissions delivery methods in the city.
Nicknamed “Aria” and “Atlas” by the Oxford City Council, the two EAV2Cubed vehicles will be used by the various businesses of the market. As one of the rear cargo bays is refrigerated, it’ll be used for delivering fresh flowers, chocolate, meat and even artisan ice cream around the centre of Oxford.
The Zero Emission Zone Pilot will restrict polluting vehicles from key Oxford city centre streets during the day. Those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge depending on the vehicle’s level of pollution.
Traders in Oxford’s landmark market have been consulted on the scheme over the past few years. Under the scheme, zero-emission vehicles such as the EAV2Cubed will not be charged to drive in the zone.
“The Oxford Covered Market is widely considered one of the most well-known landmarks within Oxford City centre,” says Adam Barmby, CEO and founder of EAV. “The opportunity for EAV to supply these unique vehicles for the Covered Market traders to use is really exciting, especially as the company is based just outside the city in Upper Heyford. We’re now really looking forward to seeing the EAV vehicles regularly on the streets of Oxford where they’ll prove their extraordinary efficiency and help to keep pollution levels to the lowest possible levels.”
Data published last week found that the significant reductions in traffic caused by the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a 29% improvement in air quality levels across Oxford. They fell to the lowest level of air pollution since recording first began in 1996.
Now, as Oxford emerges from the pandemic, the Council is exploring how it can learn from the lockdown period to ensure Oxford has the cleanest air possible.
“Oxford’s Covered Market is a jewel in the crown of the city centre and, opened in 1774, even predates the discovery of the United States,” says Councillor Tom Hayes, deputy leader and cabinet member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford. “As Oxford prepares to become Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone, our historic city and treasured market is embracing a zero-emissions future with the arrival of two new electric cargo bikes. Wherever you live in the city, you will be able to receive excellent Covered Market goods to your door using zero-emission deliveries.”
According to Oxford’s most recent source apportionment study, the transport sector is the largest contributor of NOX emissions in the city, accounting for 68% of emissions.
The EAV2Cubed vehicles will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the market, ease congestion in the city centre, and contribute to the achievement of Oxford’s new proposed NO2 local target, which was set out in the city’s Air Quality Action Plan.
“It’s pleasing to see a highly progressive and environmentally proactive city such as Oxford take such a positive action to safeguard their people,” continues Barmby. “We now hope that other cities will be committed enough to follow Oxford’s example and introduce EAV vehicles to help reduce and then maintain much better urban air quality for the future.”
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