Toyota UK makes community pledge with electric van loans

Toyota has rolled out an electric van loan programme to support charities and educational institutions across the UK until 2027.

The Japanese manufacturer is making 42 all-electric Proace Verso Shuttles available to several of its long-standing charity partners and to causes that serve communities local to its operations.

The first deliveries of the nine-seat people carrier were made to Surrey Wildlife Trust, and Toyota and Lexus centres are being asked to nominate other causes local to them which could benefit from the programme. To help the organisations participating make the transition to an EV, Toyota is also providing a £1,000 grant towards the purchase of a wallbox charger.

Scott Thompson, Toyota GB president and managing director, said: “We want this programme to help people across the country overcome barriers to mobility and, at the same time, support community organisations in making the transition to electric vehicles. We know that it can be a big decision for a community organisation to switch to an EV van; hopefully this programme will give them a useful introduction to the benefits of all-electric motoring.”

In addition to Surrey Wildlife Trust, the Power Up charity in Nottingham, and Wings South West – a charity that works with disadvantaged groups in North Devon/Torridge – have also committed to Toyota’s electrification initiative over the next two years.

“We plan to use the vehicle to support our mission of fostering inclusion, empowerment, and well-being across the community,” said Jawaid Khaliq, the founder of Power Up. “The vehicle will also serve as a critical resource for transporting disabled students to our venue.

“By addressing the transportation barriers faced by these underserved groups, the vehicle will play a key role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access opportunities that improve their lives and contribute to the community.”

Andrew Best, operations manager for Wings South West added: “We’ll use the Toyota Verso to provide free transport for students attending our Wings College and Academy in Abbotsham, which can be challenging for those struggling with anxiety and mental health to access due to its remote location.

“We’ll also use it to take members of our disability group, Unity, and Ukrainian hub to activities provided off-site from our Bideford base.”