LEX Autolease has helped Medequip – provider of vital community medical services – to reduce its vehicle emissions by replacing 25 of its petrol and diesel commercial vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs).

The fleet management business has introduced the all-electric Mercedes eSprinter commercial vehicles to Medequip’s 460-strong service and delivery fleet. The move follows a successful trial last year.

Medequip specialises in the supply of community equipment to local authorities and the NHS across the UK, delivering a wide range of apparatus and support particularly to older, disabled and vulnerable people in their own homes.

Through its partnership with conversion firm Gentili, Lex Autolease’s commercial vehicle fleet engineers have identified that Medequip will benefit from £1,200 of cost savings for each commercial vehicle replaced, with important CO2 savings across the fleet expected to exceed 8%.

While the eSprinters will be able to complete a full day of home deliveries on a single charge, their fast charge capabilities will mean the vehicles can complete a recharge and be back out on the road again within just 60 minutes.

In line with Medequip’s clean air programme, specialist commercial vehicle fleet engineers at Lex Autolease will continue to help the company make further CO2 reductions over the coming years.

Chris Seaman, Corporate Customer Relationship Manager at Lex Autolease, said: “This is a major milestone on Medequip’s journey to reduce their fleet emissions and overall carbon footprint, playing their part in improving the UK’s air quality.

“The pandemic really helped highlight the importance of at-home community care and the difference it can make to the lives of vulnerable people, allowing them to maintain their independence in their own homes while still receiving the vital care they need. Medequip’s drive to introduce sustainable vehicles into their day-to-day operations will help further establish them as leaders in their field, setting the industry sustainability standard, and we’re extremely proud to be a part of that.

“As part of our four-year sole supply agreement, we will continue to work closely with the team to make sure their drivers continue to get the most out of their new electric vehicles.”

Peter Gaunt, Fleet Manager for Medequip, added: “The introduction of a further 25 commercial electric vehicles forms part of our clean air programme which will see Medequip invest further in EVs for use across the UK. By late spring of this year, zero emissions vehicles will make up 10% of our entire fleet.

“The earlier trials demonstrated how well an electric van meets the requirements of the business. With vehicles scheduled efficiently to cover their defined areas, they are capable of completing a day of deliveries to homes on a single charge.”

The eSprinters were supplied to Medequip by Intercounty Truck and Van and given their distinctive Medequip livery by specialists Mediafleet.

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