One of the UK’s leading renewable energy companies has plugged into the electrifying off-road ability of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4.

RWE npower renewables is operating the all-wheel drive van at its Kirby Moor Wind Farm, near Ulverston, in Cumbria, which is perched above a slate quarry, well away from any roads.

Supplied by Birmingham dealer Gerard Mann Commercials, the Sprinter 318CDI has been racked out by Sortimo, of Wolverhampton, to carry a full load of tools and equipment used by the energy company’s wind turbine maintenance technicians.

"The Sprinter 4x4's traction in slippery, low-grip conditions is very impressive and our technicians are delighted with it," declares Operations Maintenance Strategy Manager Chris Griffiths. "We tested several vehicles over some tricky terrain before opting for the Mercedes, which was the only one that really handled well off-road with a full load of equipment on board."

The new van also clocks up plenty of road miles, travelling to and from the company's operations centre at Llanidloes, Mid-Wales, and making occasional trips to other wind farms in the South West.

Powered by a 184bhp, 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine, the Medium-length Sprinter has an innovative all-wheel drive system that can be engaged at the touch of a button, directing torque to the wheels with the greatest amount of grip and reducing wheel slip on those with less traction. Called 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System), this mimics the operation of mechanical differential locks, but without the penalty of their weight, cost and consequent wear.

"It’s a very simple system and should mean improved reliability as well as reduced maintenance costs," says Mrs Griffiths. "Mercedes Sprinters also come with an unlimited mileage, three-year warranty, long service intervals and high residual values, as well as excellent support from the Mercedes-Benz dealer network – it’s a great all-round package."

RWE npower renewables generates electricity using sustainable, environmentally-friendly resources. The company, which has headquarters in Swindon, operates a portfolio of onshore and offshore wind farms, hydroelectric schemes and co-firing biomass power stations. It is also developing a wave power scheme on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland.

While most of its maintenance and repair work is contracted out, the company employs a handful of technicians to service its older generating facilities. Apart from the new Sprinter 4x4, transport is provided by crewcab pick-ups and Argocat all-terrain vehicles.

"Our pick-ups are coming to the end of their working lives and I would anticipate placing an order for three more Sprinter 4x4s before the end of the year," explains Mr Griffiths. "It’s also possible that we might bring more maintenance work ‘in house’, so potentially we could be looking at another five or six Sprinters on top of that."

Mr Griffiths is delighted with the service he received from Gerard Mann Commercials sales executive Chris Cubitt. "Chris was very professional and responsive, going out of his way to answer all our questions and putting us in touch with the technical experts at Mercedes-Benz UK," adds Mr Griffiths.

www.npower-renwable.com