The parcel industry EV leader DPD has agreed a deal with vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus UK for 100 eTGE electric vans. The deal means that DPD will have the largest 3.5t electric van fleet in the UK, taking its electric fleet to 600 vehicles in total.
The 3.5t van is the workhorse of the parcel delivery industry, but until now, electric versions have not been widely available in the UK. DPD will take the first 100 eTGE's when they roll off the production line from June 2020.
MAN's eTGE is tailored to meet the requirements of inner-city delivery traffic with a load capacity of 10.7m3 and a range of 65-70 miles. The 36kW lithium ion battery can be fully charged at a charge point in just over five hours or rapid charged to 80% in 45 minutes.
The MAN order is part of DPD's strategy to be the most responsible and sustainable city centre delivery company and the leader in electric vehicles in the UK. In October 2018, DPD opened the UK's first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster and in November last year launched a unique, purpose-built, e-cargo bike called the EAV P1.
In January, DPD confirmed it was taking delivery of 300 new electric Nissan e-NV200 vans by May 2020, in what is believed to be the largest single UK commercial EV van order to date. The Nissan and MAN orders will give DPD the largest EV parcel delivery fleet in the UK, with DPD aiming for 10% of its van fleet to be electric in each of its 68 UK depots by the end of this year.
Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO commented, "We're building the largest all-electric delivery fleet in the UK, in double-quick time. The 3.5t van is absolutely core to our delivery and collection fleet strategy, so this is a big deal for us. It gives us huge efficiencies on the road in terms of route densities, but we've had to wait a long time for the first electric right-hand drive 3.5t vans. We're really pleased to be partnering with MAN Truck & Bus on what is another UK EV first, and we are hugely grateful for their support.
"We are urging other manufacturers to bring forward right-hand drive electrics as we can take far more. It isn't just us demanding them, our retail customers have responded very positively to our new EV fleet and they want to be telling their customers about their green deliveries too. We are designing new ways of working to incorporate these vehicles into our operation, so they are transforming our business as well as contributing to cleaner air and less congestion."
Thomas Hemmerich, Managing Director MAN Truck & Bus UK, commented, "MAN Truck & Bus UK is delighted to have received an order of the first 100 eTGE right-hand drive units before the official UK Launch at the Birmingham CV Show this year, from our strategic partner DPD. We are thrilled to be leading the electric transformation of the UK 3.5t van market. With our eTGE van we are responding to the high customer demand and interest for these vehicles from the UK market."