The company already has the lowest reported CO2e emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies
The vehicles are part of a new chapter in the company's ongoing drive to reduce its operational emissions still further. The company will additionally introduce charging points to all the delivery offices set to receive the vehicles as part of the plans. The roll out of the vans will initially focus on ultra-low emission zones and green cities.
The vehicles are specially designed to help postmen and women deliver letters and parcels in a secure and environmentally friendly way. With load capacities ranging from around 3.7m3 to 6.3m3, the vehicles will operate as part of the company's usual delivery routes.
The addition of this latest tranche of electric vehicles brings the total amount of electric vehicles operating within Royal Mail's fleet to around 3,300.
Simon Thompson, ceo of Royal Mail said: "Due to our feet on the street delivery model, we are the clear leader in low emissions per parcel in the UK. Electrification of our vehicle fleet will strengthen our advantage. That's good for our customers, our people & the planet. We look forward to working with vehicle manufacturers and government to increase supply so we can accelerate our transition to electric vehicles in the UK. It matters to our customers, and it matters to us."
In May, the Company announced the launch of 29 low emission gas powered trucks, fuelled by bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG). The 40 tonne heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are similar in size and look to a conventional Royal Mail truck but are significantly quieter. They also emit roughly 84 per cent less CO2e than a typical diesel-fuelled vehicle of this size.
Also in May, Royal Mail announced the launch of its first ever Delivery Office to feature an all-electric fleet of collection and delivery vehicles. The Bristol East Central Delivery Office, located in the City's Easton area, has had its 23 diesel delivery and collection vans replaced by fully electric equivalents – comprising the Office's entire collection and delivery fleet. Six electric charging posts and 12 charging points have also been installed on the site as part of the transformation.
Bristol was selected due to the City's plans for a Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will require certain vehicles to pay a daily charge to enter its centre. At present, other Delivery Offices across the UK are being considered for similar fleet makeovers in coming months – particularly those in places with existing CAZs, or that have plans to introduce them.