Alstom Transport has ordered 72 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Commercials to replace its fleet of diesel vans.

The new vehicles will be used by the train manufacturer’s team of service technicians.

Nadim Mehar, Alstom Transport’s fleet manager, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything Alstom does. We help people move in an environmentally friendly way with our electric trains, trams, metros and exciting new hydrogen trains, delivering products that will help make the world a greener place.

“Ensuring that our low emission commitment is fulfilled in all aspects of our business, Alstom have looked to reduce our road-vehicle emissions with Mitsubishi’s customised PHEV vans offering the perfect solution.

“Through our partnership with Mitsubishi, we will see our new fleet of purpose-built plug-in hybrid electric vans play their part in delivering mobility by nature”

Fleet operators face a challenging decision when renewing their fleets due to uncertrainty over the availability of future powertrains as the Government seeks to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2035. Read more in the latest edition of Commercial Fleet.

Mitsubishi has completed the handover of the first ten vehicles already, each one fitted with customized racking to accommodate the technicians’ tools and equipment.

The Outlander PHEV Commercial is capable of operating as a pure electric vehicle for up to 28 miles, enabling the fleet to minimize its environmental impact and make fuel savings.

If a rapid charger is available, the vehicle can be charged to 80% in just 20 minutes. The petrol engine ensures technicians can remain mobile at all times, on longer trips or if charging is not possible.

Clive Messenger, general manager – Fleet Operations at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “We’re thrilled that Alstom Transport has chosen the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Commercial to help it go green when replacing its high-profile fleet of diesel vans.

“We are confident the company will benefit from the lower running costs and legendary reliability that PHEV is known for, while its operators will enjoy a more refined car-like driving experience. Above all, Alstom will drastically reduce the amount of CO2 and other emissions its fleet produced, in line with its moto of Mobility by Nature.”

Picture caption: Nadim Mehar (FR), Alstom Transport UK & Ireland fleet manager; Sarah Gatley (FL), corporate sales manager at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK; Steve Ward (RL), national corporate account manager at Pentagon Corporate Fleet; and Stephen Pensom (RR), commercial vehicle operational account manager at LeasePlan UK.