A POLICEMAN with a penchant for invention has harnessed solar power to run an old van in a more environmentally friendly way.
It has taken Sgt Peter Perkins two years to convert the G-registered Bedford Rascal, which now incorporates solar panels bought from Germany and an electric motor imported from America.
The solar panels charge up a battery, which can also be plugged into the mains. On a sunny day the panels will enable the van to cover about five miles, but the range is increased to about 35 miles on a single mains charge. It has a top speed of 50mph.
Sgt Perkins, who is based at Northallerton but previously served for six years in Bedale, has already designed and built two other electric vehicles.
Of his latest creation, he says: "It makes no noise and produces no fumes. It only went on the road on September 1 but I have found a lot of interest in it. The van is also tax free, being electric, and does not need an MoT.
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