Electric truck joins Evri fleet to decarbonise middle-mile journeys

Evri has become one of the first companies to integrate the new Daf XB Electric truck into its operations, with the zero-emission vehicle based at its Southampton depot. 

Designed and produced by Leyland Trucks, the Daf XB Electric joining Evri is part of a limited ‘early adopter’ programme of just 10 vehicles, marking the final development phase before full-scale production commences in 2025. 

The zero-emission truck, with a 16-pallet body size, offers a claimed range of up to 300km (186 miles) and will be supported by on-site charging at the Southampton depot and an Adams Morey fast charger nearby.

It is equipped with 282kWh batteries and a PACCAR EX-M2 190kW motor for optimised performance. The truck allows both overnight AC charging (22kW) and fast DC charging (up to 150kW). 

David Landy, Evri head of fleet, said: “The Daf XB Electric joining our depot network marks an important milestone in our low-carbon fleet strategy. 

“The launch means we now have a sustainable solution for every stage of the parcel journey, from local deliveries with e-bikes and vans to long-distance trunking. 

“This integration completes our fleet, offering a fully low-carbon solution across all fleet types.”

The vehicle will operate under real-world conditions with regular customer deliveries, as part of Evri’s ongoing efforts to assess and scale sustainable transport options. 

This truck is a key step towards achieving zero emissions in the company’s ‘middle mile’ vehicles, which have previously posed one of the main fleet technology challenges due to range limitations.

Performance will be closely monitored by the product development team at Leyland Trucks, ensuring seamless integration and fine-tuning, before the truck enters full production. 

Evri’s adoption of the Daf XB Electric builds on the company’s broader sustainability efforts, including a £19 million investment to expand its fleet of e-cargo bikes and electric vehicles. 

In the 2023-2024 financial year alone, Evri achieved a 21% carbon reduction per parcel, reinforcing its ambition to deliver all parcels using alternative fuels by 2035. 

Pauline Potter, Evri director of transformation, said: “Evri is proud to be at the forefront of sustainable delivery innovation. 

“Adopting the new DAF XB Electric ahead of full production demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.”