It’s hard to imagine a more suitable place to use an emission-free electric van than in a busy tunnel.

So it makes perfect sense that Merseytravel, which operates the Kingsway and Queensway tunnels under the river Mersey, has started to make the switch to electric power.

One of Merseytravel’s e-NV200’s in action in Liverpool’s Kingsway Tunnel

In addition to the two tunnels, which handle 90,000 vehicles a day, Merseytravel operates seven tunnel ventilation stations, three ferry terminals and various bus stations. The firm bought its first electric vehicle, a Nissan LEAF, last year and has recently added three Nissan e-NV200 Combis to its 40-strong maintenance fleet.

The electric Combi vans will be used to transport work crews and their tools around the Merseytravel estate. The company is also backing the wider adoption of electric power in Liverpool by operating the government-funded Recharge initiative. This aims to provide a network of charging points at key locations throughout Liverpool City and West Cheshire.

So far, 30 chargers have been installed at locations including ​Seacombe  Ferry Terminal, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Broad Green Hospital, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

For further information on the Recharge network and electric vehicles – www.merseytravel.gov.uk/recharge