UK logistics specialist Whistl has started to roll out electric vehicles across its fleet on the back of a wide-ranging review of its transport needs.
Its new strategy is intended to transition the van fleet to electric power while ensuring it still meets operational needs and remains cost-effective. Whistl is also working to shift the company car fleet to electric vehicles.
The two-prong electrification approach embraces both vehicle procurement and the deployment of vehicle charging across its 22 sites.
Initially, Whistl is deploying a total of nine Maxus eDeliver 9 electric vehicles for deliveries to customers in the Bristol area – this includes five eLCVs for its Parcelhub brand, which offers a more regionalised approach with on-site local collections and consolidated volumes.
Current diesel/petrol-powered fleet vehicles will also shift to electric as suitable replacements come into the market – its fleet renewal programme includes a lease deal for Peugeot Boxer vans that enables them to be swap them with their electric-powered counterparts when available.
Whistl is also working to electrify its car fleet – it’s actively encouraging employees with a company car to choose a fully electric or hybrid option.
In tandem with this, it’s working with EO Charging to deploy the necessary charging infrastructure on the back of a comprehensive review. The business is already installing charging options at its head office and across the estate, and expects the infrastructure rollout to be complete this year.
Alistair Cochrane, CEO at Whistl, said: “I am pleased that we can begin rolling out electric vehicles in Bristol and for our Parcelhub brand. We want to transition our fleet as quickly as possible to non-ICE and are actively trying to find ways to overcome the size and weight restraints of current electric vehicles versus our operational requirements.
“It’s great that we will see our new Whistl and Parcelhub electric vehicles on the streets, making a contribution to lowering our overall emissions and improving the quality of the environment in the areas.”
