Manchester’s universities are using technology to cut their carbon emissions, thanks to a project showcasing the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles. A short film is now presenting the project’s work in the Corridor Manchester innovation district.

The Triangulum project sees Manchester City Council working with the University of Manchester (UoM) and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) to transform their vehicle fleets and make significant energy savings, while demonstrating the power of the new innovations to help create economic growth.

To date, UoM have changed seven of their diesel operational services vans for electric vehicles, while Manchester Met have added two 30KW electric cars to their car share scheme – allowing more staff to use low-carbon transport options for business journey and leave their own car at home.

Many mail deliveries to Manchester Met are now made by electric bike, a process made simpler thanks the recent Wilmslow Road Cycleway scheme, which makes cycling safer and easier along Oxford Road.

Meanwhile, electric cargo bikes have been made available to local businesses on a free trial, with the UoM’s IT services department already having taken advantage of this offer.

Data gathered from usage of the electric vehicles and e-bikes is being used to develop to a greater understanding of mobility in the city.

The Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, said: “Manchester needs to generate growth and create more jobs, but we need to do that in a way that is environmentally sustainable. Using new disruptive technologies and sharing knowledge is the most effective way to achieve that – and being a ‘smart city’ is Manchester’s future.”