Holman has delivered the first batch of 750 electric vans in its 3,500 BT Group fleet order, as the communication firm seeks to decarbonise its vehicles.
Originally announced in January, and creating one of the largest electric commercial fleet in the UK once the complete order is fulfilled in 2026, it drew praise from Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood and is part of BT Group’s plan to become a net zero business by 2031.
Holman’s role includes vehicle trials and tests, then specifying and sourcing the vehicles, managing the funding, and overseeing the delivery to engineers.
The initial batch features Toyota Proace Electrics and Vauxhall Vivaro Electrics, as well as Vauxhall Combo Electrics.
Holman used a panel of suppliers to ensure consistent pricing, specification, quality and costs across the variety of vehicles. It also oversaw the defleeting of existing ICE vans, preparing them for sale and managing remarketing channels.
Most of the electric vans are planned to run on a seven-year fleet lifecycle, illustrating confidence in the new powertrains. Holman will also monitor and control the service, maintenance and repair of the fleet to ensure minimum downtime and cost, it said.
The first batch of vehicles were delivered for Openreach –with a number of designated locations to provide the engineers familiarisation training on electric van usage.
The further electrification of the fleet has also seen a transformation in approach, moving from one where a suitable driver was paired with an electric van to one where vans are now paired to roles. Holman was then tasked with helping to ensure the vans had the infrastructure and support to fulfil what is required of them.
Despite the “massive” logistical challenge of gearing up for the contract, the firm said the partnership saw
it identify cost efficiencies of more than £1.8 million in the first 12 months.
Holman also worked to reduce spend on unnecessary repairs by focusing on the requirements to keep the fleet operational.
Holman’s Managing Director, Nick Caller, said:
“We’re delighted to partner with BT Group on this further transition across to electric vehicles, as part of their wider sustainability agenda.
“Our team has been instrumental through the procurement and wider supply chain activity, helping to appoint the right suppliers and providing products best suited for BT’s operational needs. These new vehicles coming on to fleet only further reinforce BT’s commitment to become net zero.”
Holman’s Customer Success Director, Nimesh Chauhan said:
“This change of approach speaks volumes about the confidence that electric vans can do the job when everything has been put in place. Many fleets take the ‘low-hanging fruit’ approach to electrification but
this bold strategy flips that, demanding decarbonisation across the board.
“It’s been our task to ensure that when these vans start work, everything is in place for them to succeed and for drivers to have everything they need so there is no drop-off in operational capability.”
The news comes as Transport + Energy gears up for its first Fleet Electrification Forum on 9 July at Warwick Conferences. Find out more about the event and speakers here.
Image courtesy of BT Group/Holman
