Ballyphehane Meals on Wheels has gone electric

Meals on wheels is going green! This week Ballyphehane Community Association, in partnership with First South Credit Union and Kearys Nissan, announced that its Meals on Wheels service is going electric.

An electric vehicle charge point has also been installed. Enabling the electrification of transport is a key part of Ballyphehane Community Association’s sustainability strategy. The association wanted a sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly option to the diesel van currently being used for the Meals on Wheels service.

After research, Ballyphehane Community Association chose the Nissan eNV200 van. It has a realistic driving range of 250km from the 40kwh battery. Together with low maintenance and running costs, the eNV200 provides Ballyphehane Community Association with the perfect sustainable solution and a greatly reduced cost of ownership.

The installation of an EV charging post at the Ballyphehane Community Centre will allow electric vehicles to be fully charged from zero to 100 per cent in seven hours on average.

There are also cost benefits for the association. On standard rate electricity, the Nissan ENV200 van can be fully charged for less than €7 and approximately half this cost on night rate electricity.

Carmel Forde, Chairperson, Ballyphehane Community Association: “At Ballyphehane Community Association we recognise the importance of supporting the Government’s Climate Action Plan, even in a small way. The electrification of transport is a key element of our sustainability strategy and our partnership with First South Credit Union and Kearys Nissan reaffirms our commitment to this.

“We also recognise a growing number of individuals in our community are using electric vehicles. We want to support them. This was made possible through funding from First South Credit Union and Kearys.”

George Cantwell, CEO, South First Credit Union: “First South Credit Union is delighted to be associated with the Ballyphehane Community Association Meals on Wheels E-Project. Meals on Wheels provide an unheralded and invaluable community service managed and run by hard working staff and volunteers. We wish Ballyphehane Community Association and the team continued success.”

Walter Brennan, Head of Sales, Kearys Nissan: “Kearys Nissan is delighted to be involved with Ballyphehane Community Association, support them with their sustainability project and guide them through the purchase of a new electric Nissan eNV200 van. We are also donating €1,000 towards the installation cost of their charging unit and sustainability initiative. We are proud to be associated with our local community and the great work that Ballyphehane Community Association does.”