Green vehicles of a different kind have arrived at RAF Leeming and RAF Wittering as the Stations make a bold start on the road to lower emissions.
All RAF Stations have Mechanical Transport (MT) Sections. Known as Station MT, these sections manage and maintain the fleet of vehicles used for routine defence business. The MT Sections at RAF Leeming and RAF Wittering have received six and five Peugeot e-208 electric vehicles respectively.
The new cars are part of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) programme and are suppled under a ‘white-fleet’ contract. Flight Sergeant Darren Lewis manages RAF Wittering’s vehicles and its military and civilian drivers.
“This is absolutely the right thing for us to do, we need environmentally friendly vehicles and these new electric cars are a great start. We’re also going to receive two fully electric vans so that we can start to move equipment and goods in a cleaner way.”
Flight Sergeant Darren Lewis
MT Section, RAF Wittering
By 2023 the MoD’s target is to have electric vehicles making up 25% of its white fleet. White fleet describes civilian vehicles; the cars, vans and lorries that would not ordinarily have a military role.
The MT Sections are taking a practical approach to how the electric vehicles are used. One has been assigned to the Station’s environmental health technicians, whilst the others will be allocated to the tasks that sit comfortably within their range.
“RAF Leeming is the only RAF Station with rapid charging pods. The benefit of these assets is already being felt as the vehicles were put on task immediately. We are at the forefront of reducing pollution by removing diesel assets from the road whilst maintaining Station output and the Defence Task.”
Warrant Officer Russ Sanders
MT Officer, RAF Leeming
So far, the new electric vehicles have proved to be a useful addition to the Stations’ fleets and charging requirements aside, the electric cars can do everything required from a similar sized conventional vehicle.
“This is definitely the way forward. I am very happy that we are embracing this technology and reducing our emissions. It’s an exciting time to be getting these electric vehicles and ensuring we are sustainable is so important.
“I am delighted for our MT Section. They do a great job in keeping the Station moving and also reduce our carbon emissions. Sure, it’s a long road ahead, but each journey begins with a first step and I’m really encouraged by this.”
Group Captain Jo Lincoln
Station Commander, RAF Wittering
