Royal Mail to Invest in 1,800 Electric Vans as it Hits Major Milestone
Royal Mail has announced plans to invest in 1,800 more electric vans and support charging infrastructure over the next year, as it unveiled its 7,000th electric vehicle (EV). The company’s commitment to decarbonising its van fleet has been bolstered by the addition of the new EVs, which will be built in the UK at Stellantis’s Ellesmere Port plant.
According to Fleet News, the 7,000th electric van was deployed at South Lambeth delivery office, adding to the 70 others already used for deliveries and collections there. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood, who unveiled the company’s 7,000th EV, said it was a “crucial milestone” for Royal Mail as it continues to decarbonise its van fleet.
As Fleet News reports, Minister Greenwood also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting businesses in their efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles. “It comes as we’re investing £120 million to help businesses follow Royal Mail’s lead and buy zero-emission vans,” she added.
Royal Mail’s investment in electric vehicles is part of its ‘Steps to Zero’ environment strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero by 2040. The company has already made significant progress in reducing its emissions, with a target to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. According to Fleet News, Royal Mail has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% in four years.
The company’s chief operating officer, Alistair Cochrane, said: “We’ve strengthened our position as the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet and our investment in 1,800 more zero-emission vans will help us maintain this in the future. Royal Mail is going the extra mile to decarbonise its fleet, with huge benefits for our posties, our customers and the planet.” As Fleet News notes, Royal Mail has also recently welcomed its first-ever electric trucks, with the two new 19-tonne EVs being tested in real-world conditions.
The trial of the electric trucks is being supported by an £800,000 grant, which has been facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) UK in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Innovate UK. Royal Mail has also introduced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to fuel many of its heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet, which is a renewable alternative to diesel that produces up to 90% less direct carbon emissions compared to diesel. As Fleet News reports, the company was named Environmental Fleet of the Year at last year’s Fleet News Awards.
With almost a quarter of Royal Mail’s delivery offices now using EVs for deliveries and collections, the company is making significant strides towards its goal of operating a zero-emission fleet. All of the plug-in vans are charged on-site via a 100% renewable electricity supply. According to Fleet News, Royal Mail purchased its first 100 electric vehicles in December 2017, and has continued to expand its electric fleet in the years since.
The company’s commitment to decarbonising its fleet is part of a broader effort to reduce its environmental impact. With its ‘Steps to Zero’ environment strategy, Royal Mail has set a goal of achieving net-zero by 2040. As Fleet News reports, the company is making significant progress towards this goal, with a range of initiatives aimed at reducing its emissions and promoting sustainability.
Source: Fleet News
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