Electric fleet: Latest from Allstar, Marks & Spencer, Ringway Jacobs, Nigel Rice Transport & Storage, Ubitricity, BeEV and Shell Recharge

Marks & Spencer launches hybrid wagon and drag fleet

Marks and Spencer has taken delivery of its first refrigerated electric wagon and drag vehicles. 

The electric wagon and drag setup, developed in collaboration with long-term partner Gray and Adams, is equipped with advanced technology, including a fully electric Carrier fridge on the prime mover unit. 

The system operates on electric power generated by the vehicle's main engine. The drag trailer can switch to a small diesel backup tank in case of power failure, ensuring uninterrupted temperature control for sensitive food items.

The vehicles offer a hybrid approach to food delivery, combining the flexibility of traditional rigid vehicles with the environmental benefits of electric technology. 

By using a wagon and drag system, Marks and Spencer says it can reduce its fleet's carbon footprint and improve efficiency. 

For example, a single wagon and drag can replace the need for two separate rigid vehicles, delivering to two different locations – a Simply Food store linked to a BP petrol station and a larger airport-based store – in one trip.

Once unloaded, the trailer can be detached and powered by an electric connection at the depot, allowing the prime mover vehicle to be repurposed for other deliveries, maximizing productivity throughout the day.

Marks & Spencer plans to integrate 50% of its fleet with the innovative wagon and drag vehicles over the next three months, with two already in operation and another 13 expected soon. 

The vehicles, which have a lifespan of up to seven years, will operate from key Marks and Spencer locations.

Gray and Adams Doncaster sales director, Andrew Brown, said: “We continue to work closely with our partner to provide them with one of the most flexible, efficient and carbon-busting fleets in the UK.”

Allstar releases new whitepaper on managing EVs

Allstar has launched a new whitepaper offering fleets guidance on policies and systems for electric vehicle (EV) charging, while optimising costs and productivity.

The whitepaper – How to Manage Electric Vehicles in a Company Car Fleet – includes advice around the tax benefits of an EV, charging cost management and maintenance savings.

Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, including UK brand Allstar, said: “The 2030 phase-out of petrol and diesel-only vehicles is a critical turning point for UK fleets. Businesses must act now to position themselves for success in a new era of transportation, and the starting point is equipping themselves with insights and information on how to do this effectively and with minimal disruption. 

“Electrification isn’t just good for the environment; it makes business sense too. 

“Our goal is to ensure that businesses not only manage this transformation but also see it as a strategic advantage. 

“With the right plans and support, electrification is no longer a challenge, but an opportunity to lead the way in smarter, more sustainable operations.”

Birmingham launches new on-street charge point network with Ubitricity

Birmingham City Council has launched a major new project to expand the city’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. 

In partnership with Ubitricity, the council is carrying out a pilot deployment of 560 lamppost EV charge points across residential areas of the city where access to private off-street parking is limited or unavailable.

The rollout represents the first project of its kind in the UK’s second-largest city and is being delivered in response to data showing that most electric cars are kept at homes without access to a private driveway. 

Ubitricity, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell, will supply, install, own, operate, and maintain the new charge points on behalf of Birmingham City Council. 

The 560 charge points will be installed in lampposts on 82 streets across the city, with each point taking less than an hour to install. 

Deployed using Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) funding, the first 300 of these charge points have already been installed, and the remaining 260 will be installed before the end of spring 2025.

Stuart Wilson, UK managing director of Ubitricity, said: “Ubitricity is delighted to be supporting Birmingham City Council as they begin this journey to create one of the largest public EV charging networks outside London, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles, and helping to create a cleaner and healthier, environment for the people of Birmingham.”

Nigel Rice Transport & Storage welcomes first electric Renault Trucks to fleet

Nigel Rice Transport and Storage has taken a step towards reducing its carbon footprint with the addition of its first fully electric truck. 

The Renault Trucks E-Tech D16 4x2 joins the Beverley-based company’s delivery and haulage fleet following a successful trial through Vertellus’ EV Discovery Programme.

Supplied by Alistair Mann, Hull area sales manager at Thompson Commercials, the new addition comes as a result of a long-standing partnership with the local Renault Trucks dealer. 

Nigel Rice Transport & Storage’s new addition is an E-Tech D16 4x2 equipped with an 8m curtain-sided body by Martin Wiliams (Hull) and a tuckaway tail lift. 

Powered by 265 kWh, 600 V E-Tech lithium-ion batteries, the Alternating Current synchronous motor with permanent-magnet technology delivers maximum power of 185 kW, continuous power of 130 kW and maximum torque of 425 Nm. 

The E-Tech reduction gearbox offers two forward speeds and one reverse. 

The E-Tech D16 is equipped with charge ports compatible with type 2 and CCS Combo 2, which allows mode 2, 3 or 4 charging from 22 kW to 150 kW. 

Covering around 75 miles daily, the vehicle will be charged overnight at Nigel Rice Transport’s yard, ensuring it’s ready for the next day’s deliveries.

Nigel Rice Transport currently operates a diverse fleet of 16 vehicles, including a 3.5t curtain-side Master Van, D18 curtain siders, T and T High tractor unit, as well as T High Turbo Compound tractor units. 

Chris Rice, managing director at Nigel Rice Transport and Storage, said: “This investment, as well as a Renault Trucks E-Tech Master with a curtain sider body that we have on order, underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional customer service while minimising our environmental impact. It’s an exciting step forward for our business and the customers we serve.”

All-electric highway vehicle enters service in Essex

An all-electric highway maintenance vehicle is helping to deliver road improvement in Essex.

The new 7.2-tonne tipper vehicle purchased by Ringway Jacobs for use by Essex Highways is in service in the south of the county following staff training and familiarisation.

Specially adapted to include a third battery to give it a longer range, the new Iveco lorry with a Mackworth body, will be helping crews deliver road repairs and emergency responses.

Its battery power gives a range of around 120-miles between charges and as it is all-electric, the vehicle is low noise as well as zero emission.

“The crews have been really impressed with its performance so far,” said Ringway Jacobs head of fleet, John Kerr.

“Because of the charging facilities available at our depots and the network throughout Essex the range will not be a problem – it will deliver all the functions of a diesel vehicle but in a far more sustainable way, which links into our recent PAS2080 accreditation.”

Ringway Jacobs currently has 80 all-electric vehicles across its highways contracts in Essex and Cheshire East Highways and for use corporately and it has recently placed an order for 30 new vans – almost a third of which will be all-electric.

BeEV reveals Manchester ultra-rapid charging hub and signs roaming agreement 

BeEV has launched an ultra-rapid charging hub at Hulme Retail Park, the first to be funded via its landmark £55 million debt financing partnership with NatWest and KfW Ipex-Bank. 

The new hub features six ultra-rapid charging bays, all powered by renewable energy supplied by Octopus Energy.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of BeEV, said: “The Hulme site is a prime example, joining a growing network of BeEV hubs in key locations like retail parks. These hubs not only serve local communities and EV drivers but also support retailers by driving increased footfall, showing how well-placed infrastructure can benefit both shoppers and businesses alike.”

BeEV has also signed a new roaming agreement Shell Recharge giving drivers access to more than 750 additional rapid charge points on its network

Shell Recharge is one of the largest charging networks in the UK, providing access to more than 38,000 public charge points across the country including Shell Recharge branded chargers on our forecourts and at participating Waitrose and Aldi supermarkets. 

Ghafoor said: “We're thrilled to offer Shell customers access to the UK’s fastest-growing network of chargers.”

Euan Moir, head of fleet solutions and CRT UK at Shell, added: “This collaboration among EV charging operators like BeEV enhances the UK’s public network, making it more cohesive and flexible. 

“Improved accessibility boosts confidence and ensures a consistent, superior customer experience, encouraging more drivers and businesses to transition to e-mobility.”