Arnold Clark customer becomes first Church of Scotland minister to use electric car

An Arnold Clark customer has become the first Church of Scotland minister to carry out ministerial work using an electric vehicle.

Reverend Fleming is handed the keys to a Renault Twizy

Reverend Jonathan Fleming of Erskine Parish Church has been handed the keys to a new Renault Twizy Technic, which is entirely electric. The two-seater vehicle delivers a range of 50-60 miles in a single charge, and is environmentally friendly, with zero emissions.

Commenting on his new purchase, Reverend Fleming said: My decision to buy the Twizy was really to bring the stereotypical image of ministers riding their bikes around the parish into the 21st Century.

My decision to buy the Twizy was really to bring the stereotypical image of ministers riding their bikes around the parish into the 21st Century.

One daily charge will suffice for doing my parish visits as well as funeral services and hospital rounds.

It also gives us the chance to do our bit for the environment, paying for battery rental instead of paying for mileage incurred. This will save our congregation in the region of £1,000 per year.

‘To many, the Church is seen as a dinosaur that does not try to move with the times. However I can assure you that there are many people in churches across Scotland, who are always willing to try new things and look to the future. Perhaps innovations such as this will show that as I silently zip around Erskine!’

David Munton, Renault franchise manager at Arnold Clark said:

We are delighted that Reverend Fleming chose to come to Arnold Clark to purchase the Renault Twizy. It really is a fantastic electric car and I know Reverend Fleming will enjoy driving it when carrying out his ministerial duties’.

The Renault Twizy can reach a top speed of 50mph, making it ideal for city and town driving. It also comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and free road tax.

Browse the Renault electric range