Parcel delivery company DPD has claimed another electric vehicle (EV) first with the UK debut of the brand new fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito van in DPD livery.
DPD has commissioned 10 of the 3.2-tonne Long-bodied versions of the ground-breaking model, which has zero tailpipe emissions.
The new vans will enter service in London, where DPD currently has three all-electric depots in Westminster, Shoreditch and Hyde Park. The eVito is also set to play a part in a nationwide roll-out of DPD's EV fleet later this year.
The Mercedes-Benz eVito employs an electric motor which channels its 116 hp output to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Fully recharged in six hours, it gives the eVito a range of approximately 93 miles.
In October last year, DPD opened the UK's first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster. The depot is completely emission-free for both incoming parcels, served by two 7.5t fully-electric FUSO eCanters, and last-mile deliveries, which are carried out by a fleet of electric vans and micro-vehicles.
Meanwhile in April 2019, it was announced that DPD was working with Oxford-based innovative start-up; Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited (EAV), to develop a pioneering new eCargo bike call the P1.
Both initiatives are part of DPD's aim is to be the most responsible city centre delivery company and the leader in electric vehicles in the UK.
Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "The EV revolution is gathering pace and I'm delighted that DPD is leading the way. We've got a fantastic EV fleet already with some incredibly innovative vehicles, but the eVito is a great addition for us. With the eSprinter due later in the year, we will be building on our very successful and long-term relationship with Mercedes-Benz.
"It is an exciting time. The all-electric micro-depots have exceeded our expectations and we'll soon have eight such sites in London. We've got plans to add over 100 more EVs to our fleet in 2019 as we begin our roll-out across the UK. We will double that in 2020, and double it again in 2021 to over 550 electric vehicles.
Effectively, we're already in a position to grow as fast as the manufacturers can supply the vehicles, so the more UK vehicles that are available, the faster the roll-out will be. In the meantime, we are continuing to explore all opportunities to reduce and neutralise our carbon footprint and provide smarter and more efficient urban delivery solutions."