The pilot vehicle, which will operate in the Greater London area, is projected to save 4,974 kg of carbon emissions per year* and represents the latest step in G4S’ ongoing commitment towards reducing its environmental impact.
This groundbreaking vehicle, developed in partnership with Allied Electric, combines the very latest in battery technology and electronic management software together with a tried-and-tested production vehicle converted into a highly specialised Cash-in-Transit protected vehicle encompassing state-of-the-art security features.
Ken Niven, divisional CEO at G4S Cash Solutions, commented: “I believe that this prototype may lead G4S into deploying more of these vehicles in city centres, harnessing the benefits of zero pollution and noise while providing clear economic operating benefits.”
Detail on the new vehicle
Allied Electric’s vehicle is powered entirely by Lithium-Ion batteries. Propelling it produces no carbon, particulate or pollutants.
It boasts a transit range of around 100 miles, which is significantly further than the longest route length it will be required to travel for G4S inbetween re-charging the batteries.
The vehicle also has a solar panel fitted in order to constantly provide a source of sustainable energy back to the battery while on the road. The photovoltaic module is incorporated into a panel on the roof of the cash delivery vehicle, and will produce enough sustainable energy to power its ancillary electrical energy usage.
These panels were first introduced to the UK fleet in 2010 after a lengthy trial.
Minimisation of environmental impact
Dave Armitage, the vehicle design manager at G4S Cash Solutions in the UK, added: “This groundbreaking trial is the latest stage in our ongoing efforts to minimise our environmental impact. G4S has one of the largest security vehicle fleets in the UK, and we’re determined to lead the way in making widespread use of low carbon technology a reality in fleet management in the UK and further afield.”
Armitage went on to point out that electric power is up to seven times cheaper than the equivalent diesel vehicle.
“There are further cost benefits with road tax and congestion charge exemption in the Capital, so in the longer term these vehicles may be able to cut costs as well as our carbon footprint,” he added.
G4S is also carrying out assessments on alternative fuels.
To its great credit, the company introduced photovoltaic panels on 71 vehicles in 2010, and will add another 63 during the course of 2011 in order to further reduce its carbon footprint.
*Based on Mercedes Benz published figures
About G4S Cash Solutions (UK) and Allied Electric
A subsidiary of G4S plc, G4S Cash Solutions provides secure cash transportation, ATM outsourcing solutions and outsourced till management.
In the UK, the organisation deploys over 6,500 employees and uses a fleet of around 2,000 vehicles to service a network of 43 cash transportation branches and ten cash and coin centres.
For its part, Allied Electric is at the forefront of electric vehicle development and is part of the Allied Vehicles Group established in Glasgow back in 1993.
The Allied Vehicles Group has grown to become a market leader in the production of vehicles for the mobility and taxi markets, and has been involved in the development of electric vehicles for the past four years.
Allied now employs around 300 people on its 20-acre site in Glasgow.
For more information visit the website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
