National Highways electrifies vehicles with Toyota fleet deal

National Highways has ordered more than 50 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from Toyota, helping the Government agency towards its goal of achieving net zero by 2030.

The fleet deal includes 18 Proace Electric vans and 40 fully electric bZ4X SUVs, having already taken delivery of more than 50 Toyota bZ4Xs in May, 2024.  

Andy Butterfield, director of operational services at National Highways, said: “Our operations run 24/7 to keep roads safe, well maintained and free-flowing—helping people reach their destinations safely and on time. 

“These new vehicles will support that round-the-clock service, particularly for asset inspectors keeping vital infrastructure in check.  

“Just as importantly, they represent a major step in cutting our carbon footprint.” 

National Highways is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s 4,500 miles of motorways and major A-roads. 

By 2027, Butterfield explained that all National Highways non-traffic officer light vehicles will be electric, with traffic officer vehicles following by 2030. 

“It’s a big shift—and this investment proves we’re committed to making it happen,” he added.

The Toyota Proace Electric will be used by its specialist structures inspectors whose role plays an essential part in keeping roads safe and open.

The electric van is available with a 50kWh or a 75kWh battery, offering an official range of up to 148 miles and 217 miles, respectively.

Beyond its zero-emission performance, the Proace Electric offers generous cargo space and payload, with its Smart Cargo system extending the load area, giving extra room for longer items to be carried – such as the measuring poles used by the National Highways teams.

Neil Broad, general manager at One Toyota Fleet Services, said: “It is rewarding to partner again with National Highways and support their work across the country maintaining safety of our road network. 

“As more businesses look to make the switch to electric vehicles, we have a team able to provide guidance and support along with one of the largest ranges of commercial vehicles available in the UK market.”

Visitors to this year’s Company Car in Action (CCIA) will have the opportunity of test driving the latest models from Toyota.

The two-day event takes place on June 11 and 12 at UTAC Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire and offers visitors from the fleet sector the opportunity to test drive more than 300 vehicles – cars and vans – provided by major manufacturer brands.  

Fleet managers will be able to examine, compare and evaluate this extensive range of vehicles and form connections with suppliers.

Brands confirmed for CCIA this year are: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, BMW, BYD, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Farizon, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Jaecoo, Jeep, Kia, Leapmotor, Lexus, Lotus, MG, Mini, Omoda, Peugeot, Polestar, Renault, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo.  

CCIA will also provide visitors with opportunities to network and gather insights from industry experts in seminars taking place across both days of the event. Topics to be discussed include the shift to new technologies and the cost-saving benefits of ‘clean cars’.  

The event is open to fleet professionals and decision-makers, with booking now available.  

Read best practice advice from Fleet News on the challenges and benefits of running electric vans on your fleet.