EDF Energy is giving Sussex Wildlife Trust the chance to trial a fully electric vehicle for a month to test out the low carbon technology whilst reducing the impact on the environment.

A MINI E from the energy company's electric vehicle fleet will be used over the next month as a pool car for trust officers during their daily duties of maintaining 30 nature reserves throughout Sussex.

The MINI E is one of 35 that EDF, Official Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has leased in the UK, after teaming up with London 2012 Official Partner BMW Group. During the London 2012 Games, 30 of the MINI Es will become part of the BMW Group London 2012 official vehicle fleet.

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Martin Elliott is part of EDF Energy’s electric vehicle team based at the company's Portland Road office in Hove.

He said: "EDF Energy is really pleased to be supporting the Sussex Wildlife Trust in testing out the MINI E and experiencing this low carbon technology. We hope the charity will quickly see the great benefits it will provide of reduced motoring costs and impact on the environment.

"We hope that using the car will not only inspire the charity but will also be a good talking point with the local community to think about how they can reduce their carbon footprint through investing in electric vehicle technology."

EDF Energy's Martin Elliott handing over the keys for the fully electric MINI E to Sussex Wildlife Trust’s CEO Tony Whitbread for the month loan.

Mark Anscombe, Grants & Business Development Officer at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: "Sussex Wildlife Trust is keen to experience the technology for what seems likely to be the sustainable solution to the future of transport. We are thrilled to be receiving this exciting technology on loan from our valued business member EDF Energy."

(CD)