Royal Mail has unveiled its 7,000th electric vehicle (EV), illustrating the company’s position as operating one of the largest electric delivery fleets in the UK.
The 7,000th zero-emission version of Royal Mail’s red van was deployed at South Lambeth Delivery Office, adding to the 70 others already used for deliveries and collections there.
Royal Mail celebrated the milestone by announcing that it will invest in 1,800 more electric vans and supporting charging infrastructure over the next year.
Almost half of the new vans will be built in the UK at Stellantis’s Ellesmere Port plant.
Lilian Greenwood, Member of Parliament for Nottingham South and Minister for the Future of Roads, unveiled the vehicle, which delivers to the Houses of Parliament, as well as addresses across Victoria, Chelsea, Lambeth and South Kensington.
Royal Mail purchased its first 100 electric vehicles in December 2017, deployed in delivery offices across the UK. Now, almost a quarter of Royal Mail’s delivery offices use electric vehicles for deliveries and collections.
Nearly all of the company’s electric vans are charged on-site across its property estate via a purchased 100% renewable electricity supply and all are zero-emissions at the tailpipe.
Royal Mail has also recently welcomed its first-ever electric trucks, in collaboration with Magtec. The trial will put the two new 19-tonne vehicles through their paces in real-world conditions.
Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Today, we’ve hit a major milestone in our journey to reach Net-Zero by 2040. 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.”
Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, said:
“Today’s unveiling of its 7,000th EV is a crucial milestone for Royal Mail as it continues to decarbonise its fleet of iconic red vans. It comes as we’re investing £120m to help businesses follow Royal Mail’s lead and buy zero emission vans.
“This Government is providing £2.3bn to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs, delivering our Plan for Change by driving investment and creating jobs to put money in the pockets of hardworking people and secure our future.”
The news comes as Transport + Energy launches its inaugural Fleet Electrification Forum on 9 July at Warwick Conferences. For more information about the event and the speakers, click here.
Image courtesy of Royal Mail
