DB Schenker Rail is trialling a new electric van with a view to replacing part of its fleet with fully electric vehicles. 

Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Nissan and Tevo are collaborating with DB Schenker to deliver the trial, Logistics Manager reports. 

The testing is being carried out at DB Schenker's depot in Toton, where emission and fuel savings made by the vehicle are being recorded.

After this, the van will be tested at various other locations where the firm operates, before the possibility of investing in a larger fleet is explored. 

DB Schenker operates more than 5,000 trains every single week - and recently expanded its offerings with the launch of a rail freight service from Teesport in Middlesbrough to Mossend and Grangemouth in Scotland. From Monday to Friday, this service carried 40 containers to and from Scotland.