DPD has become the first UK customer to take on fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito vans as part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The 10 long-bodied vans will operate from the parcel delivery company’s fully-electric final mile delivery centre in Westminster, which began operations late last year.

DPD is planning a further eight all-electric micro depots in the capital, as well as beginning a nationwide roll-out of its EV fleet as soon as possible.

Dave Winchcombe, head of transport at DPD UK, said: “We are delighted to have become the first customer for a van which, in terms of performance and practicality, represents a big step forward on the road towards a lower carbon future.

“We’ll now be delivering a programme of product-specific driver training with support from Mercedes-Benz, and will also be focusing on our route profiles to ensure we extract the maximum operational benefit from these important new vehicles.”

Prior to delivery, the 10 vans underwent conversion by Manchester-based specialist Handsfree Group, which installs DPD’s own communications systems and fits additional security measures.

Mercedes-Benz Vans expects to supply around350 eVito models to major fleet customers this year.

The first examples will be delivered to SMEs via retailers early in 2020.

The eVito has a 41kWh battery and gives the van a range of up to approximately 93 miles.

DPD’s eVito models have 3.2-tonne gross weights. As long-bodied variants, each offers up to 6.0cu m of cargo area, and a payload allowance of 1,043 kg.

Mercedes-Benz is due to expand its electric van range with the eSprinter, which is scheduled to make its UK debut towards the end of this year, with full production due to commence next spring.