The electric van has replaced a diesel-powered hire vehicle as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s fleet electrification programme and commitment to a greener city.

The vehicle has been adapted to include a scaled down mini workshop, fitted out with equipment and tools for roadside repairs across a range of council vehicles.

And to demonstrate the council’s commitment to LGBT+ rights and equality it has been decorated in rainbow colours.

The electric response van adds to a wide range of electric vehicles and machines that the council operates.

City of Wolverhampton Council has made a pledge to become carbon net zero by the end of 2028 and is currently undergoing fleet electrification to help meet this target.

Under the programme, the council has replaced a wide range of its old diesel vehicles with electric ones.

These include vehicles in its environmental and waste services, bereavement services, mayoral, parking services and Wolverhampton Homes.

Others support children’s services, the council’s travel unit, parks team, meals on wheels service, arboricultural and countryside services. In total, the council has introduced 42 zero emission vehicles and has installed 34 chargers in its depots.

Councillor Craig Collingswood, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Our fleet electrification programme is a key part of our work to becoming net zero by the end of 2028. This electric response vehicle is a really important addition as it will be on standby to support all vehicles that provide important council services.

“Making sure our fleet can carry out food deliveries, bin collections, maintain our city’s highways, carry out essential repairs or take children to school is crucial and the specially adapted electric van will allow us to attend more roadside repairs.”

Councillor Paula Brookfield, cabinet member for governance and equalities, said: “This is the second vehicle that the council has decorated in rainbow colours to show our city's support and commitment to LGBT+ rights and equality.

“I am proud that our staff will be driving this rainbow van across Wolverhampton, making visible our commitment to being a fair, diverse and inclusive city.”