Tullamore company fills largest electric vehicle order in Ireland

Electric Vehicles Ireland in Tullamore has this week filled part of the single largest order of electric vehicles ever placed in Ireland. The total order, placed by ESB Networks Ltd, is in excess of €850,000 according to MD of Electric Vehicles Ireland David Mullen. ESB Networks took delivery of eight vans this week, with two larger vehicles to be delivered later. Mr Mullen said the remainder of the order should be filled next month. The electric vehicles ordered by ESB Ireland will be used in Dublin, Cork, Dundalk, Waterford and Portlaoise, and will add to their fleet of about 50 electric vehicles. ESB Networks have bought Smith Edison electric vehicles yearly since 2008. The vans are fitted with a 90kw motor and the very latest Lithium-Ion batteries manufactured by Valence. Top speed in the vans is limited to 85 kilometres per hour for urban use. A range of up to 160 kilometres is achievable on one charge while the cost of charging batteries is about €3. Investment Manager of ESB Networks Fleet and Equipment John Seale said this week the vans are doing "the exact same work that their diesel equivalents can do in urban areas".