COLLEGE staff have been gearing up to take part in a six-month trial to road test electric vehicles.

Bishop Auckland College staff will drive the Peugeot iOn electric car for business use and give feedback on the driving experience as well as enabling the college to identify any savings in fuel cost. Data will be collected and analysed, including their perceptions of the car both before and after the trial.

The college has been selected to take part in The Switch EV regional trial, which has is loaning a fleet of 44 electric vehicles to organisations throughout the region for six-month periods.

One of eight regional trials across the country, the data and perceptions study will be researched by Newcastle University and supplied to the Technology Strategy Board which will inform the Department of Transport of the outcomes.

Students are also getting involved in the trial, having taken part in an enterprise competition to produce window sun visors for the electric vehicle.

Liz Gray, senior consultant at Switch EV, said: “It will be really interesting finding out how the car compares with their other vehicles; most companies are seeing how such a car can be extremely cost effective given the increase in petrol and diesel in recent years. The scheme provides green benefits too - something which students in particular are keen to see.”

Kara Ovington, estates and facilities manager at Bishop Auckland College, said: “Having the electric car is part of our strategy for sustainability and the college was really keen on student involvement. The entries to the competition have been brilliant, so good that we have decided that they are all winners.