The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, driving one of the first Smith Electric Ford Transit based vans at the official launch of the range in Tullamore recently.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was on hand to drive a new Smith electric powered Ford Transit van when he officially opened new premises of Avia Trucks Ireland in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

The company is owned by Clara couple David & Anna Marie Mullen who have operated the franchise for Avia Commercial Vehicles in Ireland for the last number of years.

They have now launched a new business, Electric Vehicles Ireland and have acquired the Irish franchise for Smith Electric Vehicles. Smith Electric Vehicles, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK, are the world’s largest manufacturer of road going electric commercial vehicles and a global leader in zero emission technology and have been producing zero emission vehicles since 1920.

One of the first customers of these vehicles will be the ESB. The Taoiseach also commented that “the State sector should play a leading role in showing how to become environmentally-friendly”.

David Mullen, Managing Director of both Avia Trucks Ireland and Electric Vehicles Ireland aims to dispel a myth that electric vehicles are expensive. At the moment and allowing for a modest 10% increase in oil and electricity prices, based on 20,000 miles per annum, he said that one will start saving money after year four.

If fuel rises by 25% each year, savings will occur after 3 years. He claimed that annual savings thereafter could be € 14,000 and rising.

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