Lyreco, Europe’s leading distributor of workplace products and services, has chosen the Renault Master E-Tech to spearhead its transition to an all-electric delivery fleet. Lyreco, which has a presence in 25 countries in Europe and Asia, has introduced 17 all-electric Renault Master E-Tech panel vans to its London operation.
The new electric vans will work out of its Greenford, Tottenham and Dartford distribution depots. They are the first electrified light commercial vehicles (LCVs) that the multinational company has used in the UK.
The arrival of the zero-emissions panel vans was the culmination of a two-year search by Lyreco to find a solution that matched its proposition for an electrified London delivery fleet. Lyreco went with the Master E-Tech because it offers a payload of over 1,000kg, which is ideal because their average delivery is around 40kg.
Along with zero emissions, the Master E-Tech worked for Lyreco because of its 75-mile range (121km) and can complete an extensive multi-drop route without any impact on efficiency or service.
The Master E-Tech also offers a more relaxing drive for Lyreco’s operatives when negotiating typical London traffic. It also has the advantage of being easy to drive being automatic and offers near-silent operation.
The instant torque of being an electric vehicle (EV) makes it ideal for start/stop operations associated with deliveries. In addition to fuel savings, Lyreco also gains financially from the vans being exempt from the Congestion Charge.
It’s good to see another delivery service heading towards zero-emission fleets joining the likes of Amazon, Asda, DPD, Freight Systems Express Wales (FSEW) and Riverford
Richard Taylor, Lyreco Head of Operations, said: “The purchase of Master E-Tech vans sends a clear message to our customers, our colleagues and the wider public, of our green credentials and commitment to sustainability.
“It means that where range and payload permits, our deliveries in London will be made by 100 percent electric vehicles that will not contribute to air and noise pollution.
“Electric vans are currently the leading sustainable solution for our future operations and while the technology has been available for a couple of years, introducing any into our fleet before now would have been detrimental to our customer experience – the range and payload were simply not there.”
Vincent Tourette, Renault UK managing director, said: “It’s very exciting to play an important role in helping such a renowned business start its journey to a fully electrified fleet and especially pleasing that the Master E-Tech has met the company’s strict criteria for its busy London multi-drop operation.”