The City of London Corporation has added three new electric-hybrid cars to its Epping Forest team, bringing it a step closer to realising its goal of being the first UK authority to run a fully zero-emission fleet.

The new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs have been specially converted to equip Epping Forest Keepers to carry out enforcement work, such as dealing with rapid response events and enforcing against fly-tipping in the Forest.

Forest Keepers patrol Epping Forest 365 days a year, assisting the public, protecting the Forest from inappropriate damage or abuse and enforcing Forest byelaws.

Two thirds of the Forest are recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, while it is also home to over 50,000 ancient pollard trees and 100 lakes and ponds.

With a pure electric range of 28 miles, plus the option to use all-electric mode with the advanced four-wheel drive system, the vehicles will provide Forest Keepers with the option to navigate the area with minimal noise and emissions.

They will serve the whole of the Forest covering around 2,400 hectares - equivalent to over 3,300 football pitches - stretching from Manor Park to just north of Epping.

They add to the City Corporation’s growing number of electric powered vehicles as it transitions towards a zero-emission fleet.

Graeme Doshi-Smith, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest & Commons Committee, said:

“These new vehicles will help our Forest Keeper team protect the Forest and assist the public in a more sustainable way.

“We are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and these vehicles were the best choice for us to handle the demands of conserving this ancient woodland.

“Epping Forest is known as the green lungs of London, and these vehicles will help us to make sure it stays that way.

“Our ambition is to have a zero-emission fleet as soon as possible by removing, replacing or retrofitting any non-compliant vehicles.”

Clive Messenger, General Manager Fleet Operations, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:

“The City Corporation’s use of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for the patrol of Epping Forest is a fantastic illustration of how versatile a vehicle it is and why it is the UK’s favourite plug-in hybrid vehicle.

“As the organisation has found, its package of value, practicality, four-wheel drive and efficiency is unrivalled. We’re really pleased that our vehicles have been recognised as the best option to help them make the positive shift to ultra-low emission vehicles without impacting on the invaluable work they do in maintaining and protecting one of the country’s most beautiful environments.”

Epping Forest is London and Essex’s largest green space and is of national and international conservation importance, containing two registered historic parks, seven listed buildings and three scheduled ancient monuments.

The City Corporation protects and conserves 18 important green spaces in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches - and over 200 smaller ones in the Square Mile. They include important wildlife habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves and are protected from being built on by special legislation.

The City of London Corporation’s green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They are funded by over £29million a year from the City Corporation, together with donations, sponsorship, grants and income generated on site.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Since the Mitsubishi group produced its first car more than a century ago, we have demonstrated an ambitious and often disruptive approach, developing new vehicle genres and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. Deeply rooted in Mitsubishi Motors’ DNA, our brand strategy will appeal to ambitious drivers, willing to challenge conventional wisdom and ready to embrace change. Consistent with this mindset, Mitsubishi Motors introduced its new brand strategy in 2017, expressed in its “Drive your Ambition” tagline – a combination of personal drive and forward attitude, and a reflection of the constant dialogue between the brand and its customers. Today Mitsubishi Motors is committed to continuous investment in innovative new technologies, attractive design and product development, bringing exciting and authentic new vehicles to customers around the world.

Press information, releases and images for the Mitsubishi product range are available via our media website at: www.mitsubishi-media.co.uk Customers can find out more at www.mitsubishi-motors.co.uk.

About the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The petrol/electric Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) emitting only 40g/km CO2, which maintains its zero VED in the first year, and provides exemption from schemes such as the London Congestion Charge and the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). It has a real-world EV range of 28 miles and achieves 139mpg (WLTP) with a pure electric range of 28 miles, plus the option to use all-electric mode with the advanced 4WD system.

It is unique in offering electric drive motors at the front and rear, ensuring genuine all-wheel-drive traction at all times, combined with a 2.4-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine to produce a lively 221hp.

The latest 20MY Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV benefits from improvements in comfort and infotainment, with the range offering four levels of trim – Verve, Design, Dynamic and Dynamic Safety.

Media enquires

Carl Locsin, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

T 020 7332 3654 / M 07388 862 229

E carl.locsin@cityoflondon.gov.uk