Delivery management company Whistl has announced that it is trialling the first electric Renault Trucks Master ZE to be licensed on UK roads.
The all-electric 3.1 tonne van has a range of around 100 miles (160km) and is being trialled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, by Whistl on day-to-day operations, collecting business mail and parcels.
Working with Renault, Whistl is looking at ways of reducing emissions across its 400 strong fleet of vans and HGVs and is keen to embrace new technology to enable it to reach its goal of a sustainable transport strategy.
Phil Brown, depot manager at Belfast, said, “The vehicle is a revelation and the drivers love it. It is quiet yet the acceleration is immediate and driving it is no different from a normal van. The emissions are zero and the anticipated cost of running it are so much lower than traditional diesel.”
Baz Barrett, Whistl’s national fleet and compliance manager, added, “It is vital that we as a business continue to look at new technologies and adapt our fleet in this way. We already have an excellent relationship with BRS/Renault Trucks and so when we knew this 100% electric vehicle was coming to market, we wanted to see how we could integrate it into our fleet in core urban areas. From the feedback so far, it works really well and there is great scope to introduce it into our fleet now to enable us to reduce our carbon and NOx footprint.”
Graham Neagus, head of LCV on behalf of BRS and Renault, said, “Renault Trucks and BRS are delighted to be working with Whistl to help them enter the world of electromobility with the new Renault Trucks Master ZE.
“This vehicle is available in a wide range of styles, is ideal for parcel deliveries carrying over 1,000kg [2,200 lb] payload, and is able to cover 100 miles [160km] per charge – and all with zero emissions.
“Our clients in cities across Europe are placing orders now for the Master ZE, which is one of three full-electric products from Renault Trucks, including both 16 and 26 tonne rigid HGVs.”