National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has unveiled a new addition to its fleet, converting the fully electric Skoda Enyaq SUV into a 4×4 utility vehicle. Working alongside Skoda and vehicle conversion specialist Strongs, NGED aims to meet the demands of its engineering crews with a sustainable, off-road capable electric vehicle.

The Enyaq was initially designed as a family SUV. It has now been transformed into a light commercial vehicle (LCV) with a lightweight bulkhead and interior modifications to store the specialist equipment NGED engineers rely on. The conversion uses lightweight yet strong materials designed to keep the vehicle safe while ensuring it maintains an efficient driving range.

Converting the Enyaq into a registered LCV required collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to ensure compliance with relevant standards. This change allows NGED to take advantage of van taxation rules, making the vehicle more financially viable for the utility company’s fleet.

NGED, which serves around eight million customers across the South West, South Wales, and the Midlands, has initially ordered 70 of these modified Enyaqs. The vehicles will help NGED work toward its goal of reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy solutions across its fleet. Each converted Enyaq is expected to eliminate 241g/km of CO2, translating to a potential annual reduction of 4,820 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Recently, the company added 56 Nissan Leaf cars to its growing fleet, which includes over 300 electric vans and 600 electric company cars.

Chris Mayell, NGED’s transport manager, highlighted the significance of this step, stating, “We have one of the largest fleets in the UK and this vehicle represents an important milestone in its transformation, as well as our commitment to net zero … we identified the potential of the Enyaq and started thinking creatively about turning it into a fully electric vehicle that meets operational needs for certain job roles, while reducing emissions in the communities we serve.”

Simon Gregory, Strongs director, added: “There were no off-the-shelf solutions within the commercial motor trade that could fulfil this demanding and environmentally challenging list of requirements. NGED had to look outside their normal route to market to be able to facilitate their operational requirements.”

Meanwhile, Skoda’s Amy Nash praised the project for demonstrating how unconventional approaches can yield successful, environmentally friendly solutions in the fleet sector. “Seeing things differently and finding solutions is something we pride ourselves on and working with NGED to provide a 4×4 EV utility vehicle solution, which is tricky to find in the current market, goes to show how challenging the norm can have brilliant results,” commented Nash. “We are really proud of the work all parties have put in to make this a reality and look forward to seeing how these specially prepared vehicles deliver in their new role.”

Phil Huff
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