Local security firm switches fleet to electric power

Mullingar based security company Key Guard has made a significant investment in switching its entire patrol fleet to electric.

The company has purchased 10 Renault ZOE Commercials, two new ZOE passenger cars, two Renault Kangoo Z.E. vans, a new charging infrastructure at all its bases, and staff training.

It has invested a total of €450,000 in the switch.

The 10 Renault ZOE Commercials were recently handed over at Key Guard’s local dealership, O’Brien’s Renault.

The firm had already purchased two fully electric Renault Kangoo Z.E. Commercials and two ZOE passenger cars, and building a sustainable model, and seeking to reduce fuel costs were factors for the decision to switch to electric vehicles.

Key Guard, established by Paul Ennis and Ray Moore in 2013, employs 160 people at its HQ and patrol bases around the country.

Its fleet vehicles cover some 150,000km each and the firm spends thousands of euro on fuel each month. Switching its patrol fleet to electric means the firm will save up to €5,000 per vehicle per year.

Key Guard provides security services to TU Dublin, institutes of technology in Athlone and Waterford, 12 different student accommodation premises in Dublin and the Dept of Education offices in Mullingar and Tullamore.

When it came to switching its fleet to electric, one of the deciding factors was the ZOE Commercial’s three-phase AC charging capability, which allows 100 per cent charge in three hours using a 22kW public or workplace charger.

Key Guard invested €15,000 in charging points for its new electric fleet at its bases.

The ZOE Commercial can do up to 395km on a charge. It uses the same 52kWh battery pack and 80kW R110 electric motor as the new ZOE supermini.

The ZOE Commercial has one cubic metre of load space behind the front seats.

It joins Renault’s expanding range of electric commercial vehicles – alongside the Kangoo Z.E. and Master Z.E. – in a range that now spans a wide variety of offerings in terms of size, driving range, load space and carrying capacity.

Based on the ZOE car, the ZOE Commercial benefits from the same level of features in terms of its battery technology and powertrain, as well as its generously equipped high-quality interior, complemented by Renault’s latest infotainment and safety technologies.

Recharging is simple and time-efficient thanks to the option of 50kW DC charging, allowing ZOE Commercial drivers to charge from zero to 80 per cent in just an hour and 10 minutes. If time is tight, a 30-minute charge is enough for a 135km boost in range via the DC charger.

The charging inlet is accessed behind the Renault badge on the front of the vehicle, and Renault’s on-board and patented Chameleon charger adapts to the power source for the most time and energy-efficient charge for the vehicle.

It also gives drivers the flexibility to use a range of chargers available publicly. As standard, the ZOE Commercial comes with 3 phase AC charging capability, this allows 100 per cent charge in just three hours using a 22kW public or workplace charger.

The ZOE Commercial is priced from €29,190 incl. VAT and after €3,800 grant for business buyers.

Paul Ennis, managing director, Key Guard, said: "Over the last 18 months, we have extensively researched and investigated the electric vehicle market to find the best overall solution for Key Guard Security.

"The Renault ZOE Commercial ticked all the boxes thanks improved range capacity of 395km, a good price point and excellent 22kW charging capability, meaning that we can fully charge each ZOE Commercial from empty in three hours.

"The Renault ZOE Commercials will ensure that we are reducing the environmental footprint for our customers as well as providing a healthy and comfortable workspace for our employees."

John Farrell of O’Brien’s Motor Group added: "It has been a great journey with Key Guard, from the Kangoo diesel to the Kangoo ZE and now to the ZOE Commercial for their fleet requirements.

"We are glad to be working with a such progressive company, who, with consultation, over the last 18 months have converted to a cost effective EV solution for their fleet."