Citroën UK has announced a three-year partnership with the Big Issue Group (BIG). The collaboration will see the BIG adopt a fleet of all-electric Citroën ë-Berlingo Vans and ë-Dispatch vans to support the distribution of The Big Issue magazine across the UK.
A total of 16 fully-electric Citroën vans will join the BIG fleet. One of the Group’s key aims is to make its delivery process more sustainable and to tackle its carbon emissions. The Group fleet transports over two million magazines to 3,300 vendors in a year, covering over 350,000 miles (563,270km) annually across the UK.
The Big Issue Group is a social enterprise that aims to benefit the individuals, communities and organisations it works with. The Group consists of several different entities, including Big Issue Media, which publishes The Big Issue magazine.
This is an award-winning weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine that supports homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK. The magazine provides individuals with the means to earn a legitimate income.
Citroën’s ë-Berlingo Van and ë-Dispatch will initially be used in towns and cities including Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath, Norwich and Newcastle, with more vans to be added to the fleet over the next three years.
The partnership comes as many cities across the UK introduce low-emission zones, making the use of fully electric vans even more beneficial for all types of fleets and businesses.
Russell Blackman, Big Issue Group Managing Director of Commercial, said “Citroën’s market-leading approach to innovation and affordability of electric vehicles is the exact reason why they are the ideal partner to work with Big Issue Group.
“Our partnership will allow us to make even greater strides in the support and services we provide for the most marginalised across the country. In cities and remote, rural locations, we will be able to respond quickly when our vendors need us the most. At Big Issue Group we are excited for the next three years working alongside Citroën to drive change for good.”
Citroën’s ë-Berlingo van offers load volumes up to 4.4m3 and payloads up to 803kg. With its 50kWh battery and a 100kw (136hp) electric motor, it has a range of up to 171 miles (275km).
Citroën’s ë-Dispatch offers a longer range of up to 205 miles (330km) and provides operators with a payload of up to 1,004kg. Both Citroën electric vehicles (EVs) support up to 100kW rapid (DC) charging, with a 0-80 percent charge taking just 30 minutes, which helps keeps them on the road for longer.
Eurig Druce, Citroën UK’s managing director, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Big Issue Group in their important work ‘changing lives through enterprise’, and in particular to support their transition to electric vehicles so they can become more sustainable.
“BIG is a fantastic organisation that has been working to improve people’s lives for over 30 years by providing work opportunities – a hand up, not a handout is a philosophy we can definitely get behind. I can’t wait to see these vans out on the road, being used as sustainable electric workhorses in support of the Big Issue workforce.”
A special edition of The Big Issue magazine covering the Citroën and Big Issue Group partnership is out now and can be bought from your local vendor or via subscription here.
