Trivallis, one of Wales’ largest housing associations, is taking part in the EV Rally Cymru as part of its wider commitment to decarbonisation. With two electric vehicles taking part, Transport Manager Cath Davies shares how the rally is helping to test new technologies, build confidence in EV adoption and drive forward greener communities in South Wales
Please tell us about your company?
Trivallis is one of Wales’ largest housing associations, providing homes for around 25,000 people across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff Bay. At our core, we’re here to make sure people have homes that are safe, secure, and affordable, especially those who need them most.
What makes us a bit different is that we’re tenant-owned and really rooted in our communities. We don’t just provide homes, we get involved in projects that help people feel more connected, supported, and proud of where they live.
Our work is supported by valued partners such as Days Fleet, who supply and manage our vehicles, and Griffin Mill, who provide expert maintenance and servicing. These relationships are vital as we transition towards a cleaner, more efficient fleet.
What has made you decide to get involved in the EV Rally Cymru?
Taking part in the EV Rally Cymru is a great opportunity for us to showcase the progress we’re making towards a greener future. As we begin to electrify our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint, the rally gives us a platform to test that electric vehicles are practical and capable, even across the valleys in Wales. It’s also a chance to learn from others on the same journey and share best practice around sustainable transport.
Please tell us about your team - who is driving and in what vehicles?
We’ve got two teams taking part this year. We will be using one of our own a Renault E-Kangoo, and the second vehicle is a Citroen E-Dispatch provided to us by our leasing company Days Fleet. Trivallis is gradually expanding our electric fleet as part of our wider decarbonisation plans. Our drivers are members of our transport and media teams, who are keen to put the vehicles and their driving skills to the test across the rally route.
Do you anticipate any challenges on the rally, and if so, do you have a particular strategy to get you through them?
We’re expecting a few challenges along the way, Trivallis vehicles will be travelling into the Rhondda Cynon Taff Valleys. The area is quite hilly and rural in parts, so we’ll need to keep an eye on how that affects our EV range and charging needs.
Our plan is to stay one step ahead, making sure all our charging stops are mapped out, keeping good communication between drivers, and allowing extra time in case we need to adapt our route. We’ve also got a great team so together they can overcome any bumps along the way.
Why are events like the EV Rally important for the driving up EV adoption?
Events like the EV Rally help build confidence in electric vehicles. Seeing them perform in everyday and challenging scenarios helps to dispel myths about range, reliability, and practicality. For organisations like ours, where vehicles are essential to delivering services, it’s important to prove that switching to electric is not only possible, but beneficial. The more visibility and real-world success stories we can share, the faster we’ll see wider adoption.
Please tell us about Trivallis' current and future decarbonisation plans?
At Trivallis, sustainability is about more than reducing carbon, it’s about creating homes, communities, and futures that are resilient, fair, and thriving. Our new Sustainability Plan: Greener Futures Together sets out a pathway to 2029, aligned with our strategic framework and the long-term goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
As a housing association, we know that most of our carbon footprint comes from our existing homes. That’s why our top priority is making sure every home is comfortable, healthy, and affordable, not just energy-efficient, but fit for life. We’re investing in retrofit planning, exploring low-carbon heating, and working in partnership with tenants to co-design solutions that tackle fuel poverty and improve wellbeing.
We’re also trialling electric vehicles in our fleet to reduce emissions from service delivery, while recognising that transport is just one part of the puzzle. In the Valleys, terrain and connectivity pose real challenges, so we’re collaborating with local partners to explore EV infrastructure, community transport, and active travel options that work for our tenants.
Our approach is holistic, embedding sustainability into how we manage homes, design services, and support communities. Through partnership, leadership, and shared ambition, we’re building a future that’s environmentally responsible, socially just, and economically resilient.
About Cath Davies, Transport Manager, Trivallis
As Transport Manager at Trivallis, Cath Davies manages the organisation’s transport operations with a focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. With extensive experience in fleet management, Cath plays a key role in driving Trivallis’ transition towards greener transport solutions and reducing its environmental impact.
Passionate about innovation and the future of mobility, Cath has been instrumental in exploring the benefits of electric vehicles within Trivallis’ fleet. Her work supports the organisation’s broader commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing across South Wales.
Taking part in the EV Rally Cymru reflects Cath’s dedication to learning, collaboration, and championing cleaner transport for the housing sector and beyond.