Parcel giant DPD is deploying 381 new electric vans across its UK network this month as it prepares for an expected record Black Friday and Christmas delivery rush.

The new 4.25-tonne (3.5-tonne equivalent) Ford E-Transits will all be on the road by mid-November, offering maximum payload and an enhanced range to enable a wide variety of DPD delivery routes across the nation.

The order follows hot on the heels of the delivery of 341 new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans in September as the firm continues to invest in more sustainable fleet solutions. DPD is also no stranger to the Ford E-Transit, having first deployed them back in early 2022.

The investment is part of DPD’s ongoing aim to be the UK’s leader in sustainable delivery. In 2025, DPD delivered over 85 million parcels on electric vehicles, including a predominantly diesel-free, final-mile service within the North and South Circular in London.

Olly Craughan, DPD’s head of sustainability and social purpose, commented: “Ford is a strong partner for DPD, and we already operate a significant number of E-Transits. They have performed well for us over the last four years, while the TrustFord mobile service network also played a big part in us choosing Ford again. The enhanced range means we can now get more of these larger electric vans out on our longer routes, making a bigger difference in terms of reducing emissions.

“This is set to be our biggest peak yet, so it is great to be able to say to customers that we will have more electric vans delivering on the road than ever before. We know this is a key issue for many shippers, large and small, and we are delighted to be delivering more of their parcels on electric vehicles.”