Name our EVs competition launches

We're looking for sparky names to suit our two new electric vehicles and we're asking youngsters across the District to send us their suggestions.

A competition launches on Friday 8 November, open to school-age children, with youngsters invited to submit two entries, one name for our street sweeper and one for our converted bin lorry.

The chosen names will be emblazoned on the vehicles with the two winners also receiving a cute Lego replica of whichever vehicle they named.

As well as offering a fun challenge it is hoped the contest will highlight the Council's commitment to improving air quality with ambitions for a zero emission fleet.

Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Health, Leisure and Economic Development and Councillor Les Phillimore, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, will be choosing the winning names.

Cllr Cashmore said: "We wanted to celebrate the arrival of our two new electric vehicles and what better way than to have a little fun with a naming competition. We want as many children as possible to get involved and will be reaching out to schools across the District as well as spreading the message to parents and guardians."

Cllr Phillimore added "Our newly named sweeper and bin lorry will be a real feature on the District's streets and we are looking forward to receiving lots of interesting and novel suggestions for their names. They will form an important part of our fleet, showing our efforts to improve air quality across the District."

The electric sweeper is already doing the rounds while the bin lorry is expected to be on the streets early in 2025.

Both vehicles were made possible thanks to £573,701 funding received in 2023 from the Government's Air Quality Grant. Part was used to purchase the sweeper while the rest went on an electric conversion kit for a diesel bin lorry.

Air Quality Grants aim to support local authorities in tackling pollutants including fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. This can create a healthier environment for everyone. 

The new vehicles will be used across the District but predominantly in the Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). The AQMAs feature major traffic routes and dense populations with air pollutant levels higher than government-set targets.

The competition launches on Friday 8 November with all entries needing to be received by 4.30pm on Friday 6 December.

You can send entries via email to: environmental.services@blaby.gov.uk or post to Blaby District Council EV Naming, Environmental Services, Council Offices, Desford Road, Narborough, LE19 2EP.

Please note: Each entry will need to include the child's full name and age and the name and contact details of their parent or guardian. Please ensure you state which name is for which vehicle.

For full terms and conditions see: Electric Vehicle Naming - Terms and Conditions – Blaby District Council