Swansea Council fleet transition: case study

This has included providing three detailed reports and grant funding for vehicles and charge-points.

Swansea Council initiated their transition with the Energy Service in 2021, helping to maintain momentum and get buy-in from senior councillors and stakeholders for the next phases of work.

The Energy Service provided fleet reports that conducted a comprehensive analysis of Swansea Council’s fleet, consisting of approximately 850 vehicles, to assess energy consumption and outline a plan for transitioning to a zero-emission fleet by 2030.

We also reviewed employees private vehicles used for work. We assessed their fuel types, number of vehicles, mileage costs, and made recommendations for downsizing, risk management, and efficient fleet use. The recommendations included the increased use of zero-emission pool cars. Additionally, we provided a third report on charging infrastructure, assessing the feasibility of installing sufficient charge points to power an all-electric fleet. We provided ongoing technical support and grant funding to Swansea Council along their journey.

Swansea Council has a fleet of 73 battery electric vehicles and 12 hybrid vehicles, representing a capital investment of approximately £2.5 million. The Energy Service grant funded the purchase of 34 of these vehicles by providing a subsidy to cover the cost difference between battery electric and diesel/petrol equivalents.

The electric fleet now includes cars, light and heavy vans, road sweepers, and refuse trucks.

The transition of Swansea’s fleet to all-electric vehicles will yield substantial benefits, such as a 70% reduction in energy costs, a 75% decrease in energy consumption, and a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the adoption of electric vehicles will enhance local air quality, decrease vehicle maintenance expenses, and bolster energy security, especially when powered by locally sourced renewable energy.

Swansea Council currently operates 40 fleet charging points across 12 locations and plans to complete an additional 60 by July 2023. These charging stations will accommodate waste vehicles, cars, and light vans. At the Guildhall, eight zero-emission vehicles will be available as pool cars, each with its own dedicated charging point. An additional five zero-emission vehicles, along with dedicated charging points, will be supplied for domiciliary care workers at their respective facilities.

Swansea Council has made significant progress in transitioning to a zero-emission fleet and has consistently collaborated with the Energy Service since the production of the fleet reports.

Our recent experience with the Energy Service fleet reviews has proven to be exemplary and highly valued. The level of detail provided in the review reports was superb and provided critical guidance as we set out our plans for our zero emission vehicle transition. The expertise not only helped bridge a knowledge gap but the subsequent continuing support has assisted in developing a clear pathway towards successfully implementing EVs and infrastructure for our fleet”.

- Mark Barrow, Fleet Manager, Swansea City Council.

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The Welsh Government Energy Service (“WGES”) is funded by the Welsh Government with the aim of developing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that contribute to public sector decarbonisation and national energy targets. The WGES is delivered by the Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust and Local Partnerships (the “Delivery Partners”). This report (the “Report”) has been produced by the Delivery Partners and, whilst the views expressed in it are given in good faith based on information available at the date of this Report:-

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