IN a move that could see electric vans become more widespread on our roads, Royal Mail has signed an agreement with Peugeot for 100 zero emissions vans.
The Peugeot Partner L2 Electric vans, will enter service from December 2017 at delivery offices around the UK, supported by a comprehensive roll out of the necessary charging infrastructure.
Paul Gatti, Royal Mail Fleet Director, said: “Our research has shown that electric vans are a good operational fit with our business and we are delighted to be ordering such a large volume to use in our daily operations. This is good news for our customers and the towns and cities which we serve. It also means we are on the front foot for future changes in emissions legislation.
When you operate as many vehicles as Royal Mail the switch to electricity could drastically reduce running costs as well as environmental costs. Improving efficiency by introducing electric vans is one strategy that could help many small businesses and SMEs too.
The Peugeot Partner L2 Electric was launched in February and this is order could represent a step forward in the take up of electric vans.
Power comes from a compact and highly efficient electric motor producing 49kW (67hp) driving the front wheels via a speed reducer and single ratio gearbox. The lithium-ion battery pack is fitted under the load floor, ensuring the load space remains on par with petrol and diesel-powered Partner L2 models. The Partner L2 Electric will carry a gross payload of 552kg.
The high-capacity batteries in the Partner Electric offer a range of up to 106 miles and can be re-charged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes from a dedicated rapid charge point. The drive motor also provides regenerative braking when slowing down to help re-charge the batteries and reduce brake wear.
A 106 mile range may not be sufficient for many businesses but those operating in a relatively confined geographical area, or with easy access to rapid charging points, could see some real benefits in terms of running costs.
Drivers in London would be eligible for the Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED). A 100 per cent discount from the London Congestion Charge worth up to £2,989 per year could make a real difference to the financial viability of many small businesses.
Even if you never travel in and around London running an electric van brings other benefits.
All drivers benefit from reduced running costs compared with a conventional petrol or diesel van. Lower running costs, and lower service maintenance and repair costs are amongst the added financial incentives available to electric van drivers.
Partner Electric drivers are also eligible for a Plug in Van Grant (PiVG) from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) towards the cost of buying the vehicle. The grant can cover 20 per cent of the cost of the vehicle including VAT making an electric van even more cost efficient.
Electric vans can bring big savings if you consider the total cost of ownership rather than the upfront purchase cost only.
“With electric vehicles firmly on the agenda this week, there couldn’t be a better time to announce this landmark deal with the Royal Mail,” says PSA Group Fleet Director Martin Gurney. “The order was won after Royal Mail carried out trials with the Partner Electric. It’s a tribute to their performance in the trials that PEUGEOT Electric vans will soon be helping Royal Mail to significantly reduce the environmental impact of its delivery fleet.”
If an electric van is practical enough to deliver all those bills that keep dropping through our letterboxes, it could be exactly the kind of advantage many other businesses would be wise to consider.
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