UK parcel delivery company DPD has commissioned 10 fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito vans to serve the London area. 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, London. 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.”
What’s in this for electricians?
The Electrical Vehicle Charging Point Installation market is predicted to see continuous growth as the demand for electrical cars also grows. Government grants and the lowering price of electric cars is tempting people away from fossil fuels. Having an Internationally renowned delivery service like DPD (Dynamic Parcel Distribution), join the electric revolution is a huge statement of progress and a decision that will put pressure on other delivery firms to follow.
The increased in demand will be felt across the whole of the UK and not just in London.
Consequently, we believe this is a perfect opportunity for electricians to gain the qualifications needed for the upcoming flood of work that could be heading their way.
Technique Learning Solutions are offering the City & Guilds 2919-01 Level 3 Award In Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation training course which will enable you to install the charging points.
The qualification aims to provide expert guidance to learners wishing to gain knowledge and understanding on Electric Vehicle charging equipment installation.
Aimed at experienced electricians interested in understanding a wide range of equipment and systems available, this course (C&G 2919-01) applies to the specialised installation requirements of electric vehicle charging equipment in domestic dwellings, on-street locations, commercial and industrial premises.
The course provides detailed guidance and recommendations on all aspects of the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment from the origin of the electrical supply, through distribution and final circuits, installation of the charging equipment itself to the cable between the charging equipment and vehicle’s electrical inlet. Also included are related issues of site layout and planning and subsequent inspection, testing, certification and maintenance of installations.
This qualification, also allows you to receive funding as part of the OLEV-EV car grant scheme.
For more information or to book your place on the course, please visit:
https://learntechnique.com/course/2919-01-electric-vehicle-charging-equipment/
Source: https://postandparcel.info/104559/news/dpd-plans-for-550-electric-vehicles-by-2021/
