Whistl begins electric vehicle rollout

Whistl has begun the rollout of electric vehicles within its fleet following a strategic review of its future transport needs.

The company has established a strategy to transition its van fleet to electric power, while practically meeting operational needs, cost effectively.

The strategy covers both rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Whistl’s current 22 sites and the procurement of electric fleet.

Whistl will initially deploy Maxus eDeliver 9 electric vehicles covering customers in the Bristol area with four vehicles and five for its Parcelhub brand, that offers a more regionalised approach with onsite local collections and consolidated volumes. 

The necessary charging infrastructure is being developed working with EO Charging following a comprehensive review of the marketplace, it said.

In addition to the van fleet, Whistl is actively encouraging employees with a company car to choose a fully electric or hybrid option and has installed charging options at its Head Office and across its estate. 

The company expects the infrastructure rollout to be complete this year.

As new electric vehicles come into the market, Whistl will assess their suitability to replace current ICE fleet vehicles.

Whistl recently announced its fleet renewal programme, including Peugeot Boxer 435 Vans which are on leases that enable Whistl to swap them with electric powered replacements when they become available.

Alistair Cochrane, CEO 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.”