Sky takes delivery of electric Renault Kangoo ZE vans

The Renault Kangoo ZE has become the first fully electric van to join the Sky fleet as it targets achieving net zero carbon by 2030.

The media company has taken delivery of 11 Renault Kangoo ZE vans, with the new electric vehicles (EVs) expected to provide invaluable insight on how pure-electric commercials can be rolled out to different areas of fleet operations.

Around 34% of the company’s carbon emissions originate in its supply chain and Sky hopes that the roll out of EVs can make a sizeable contribution to achieving its net zero ambition by the end of the decade.

The new Kangoo ZE vans will be primarily West London-based, working out of Sky’s Isleworth UK headquarters to support its local sites, with additional journeys further afield to the company’s Chilworth technology centre within the University of Southampton Science Park.

Several will also be deployed at Sky’s Scotland sites in Livingston, Dunfermline and Uddingston. All of them will be used by Sky’s facilities teams for an array of duties spanning cleaning to decorating and catering to mail distribution.

Sky chose the Kangoo ZE based on its range of up to 143 miles (WLTP), size and positive driver feedback from earlier trials.

They will be replacing replace diesel vans and will help Sky understand the impact and possibilities of making the transition to all-electric power for its UK fleet of more than 4,000 diesel vans.

Oliver Wanklyn, senior fleet operations manager, supply chain operations at Sky, said: “These Renault Kangoo ZE vans take us another step closer towards our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030.

“We’re very excited to introduce them and see them out on the road.”

In line with its goal of switching to electric vehicles, Sky is progressing the installation of increased charging points throughout its locations, with its Osterley facility now boasting 95 chargers. Its pure-electric Kangoo ZEs will all be charged using renewable energy sources at on-site charging points.

The vans’ zero tailpipe emissions, automatic transmission and instant torque ensure that they are perfectly suited to London’s low emissions zones and heavy congestion. A special livery highlights the vans’ all-electric powertrain and Sky’s commitment to the environment.

The introduction of the Renault vans is the latest development in Sky’s ongoing strategy to be at the forefront of large companies who are proactively lowering their impact on the environment.

They were recently announced as a Principal Partner & Media Partner for the COP26 climate change summit set to take place in Glasgow this November and this week have signed up to the EV100 initiative, a commitment to switch its more than 5,000 vehicles to a zero emissions fleet by 2030.

Vincent Tourette, managing director of Groupe Renault UK, said: “Renault has over a decade’s experience of 100% electric commercial vehicles and we are delighted that our pioneering approach has influenced a company as forward-thinking as Sky to not only choose our vehicles, but utilise them for such an important role in determining the future direction of its fleet.”

The Renault Kangoo ZE can be specified in three body styles (Panel Van, Maxi Panel Van, and Crew Van) and two trim lines – Business and Business+.

Standard features include electrically-operated door mirrors and front windows, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with Hill Start Assist, and DAB radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The Business+ specification adds extra equipment, such as electrically-operated and folding door mirrors, one-touch driver’s electric window, metallic paint, and rear parking sensors. Depending on the model, it offers a load area of up to 4.6 cubic metres.

The Renault Kangoo ZE has a potential range of up to 143 miles (WLTP) and can be charged to 100% in six hours when using a 7kW wallbox. The Renault Kangoo ZE costs from £19,380, excluding VAT, after the Plug-in Van Grant.