Congratulations to York Supplies in Kings Heath for stepping into the low carbon future. They have kept open through the pandemic, providing local people with DIY / gardening items and advice.

Jon Jaffa explains that the business has invested in a new Ford Transit hybrid electric van. It is a “plug in” and can cover 30 miles a day on its battery, only topping up from a small petrol engine, if required. The premises in Kings Heath have solar pv panels on the roof and a charging point, so mostly they will charge from sunshine. Garden supplies need more deliveries in summer months, when there are many hours of daylight to charge up.

The van is very low emission, hence will be exempt from the Clean Air Zone charges that come into force on 1^st June for central Birmingham, and it also help with air quality in Kings Heath. The “whole life costs” are competitive with a diesel equivalent, therefore this is a business decision, as well as an environmental benefit. Plug in vehicles can receive a grant towards the purchase price.