Maxus to supply 750 electric vans to DPD UK

DPD UK will double its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) after ordering 750 fully electric commercial vehicles from Maxus.

The parcel delivery firm has bought 500 E Deliver 9s and 250 E Deliver 3s, increasing its pure electric fleet to almost 1,500 vehicles.

The deal, which was brokered by Northside Maxus, was marked by a new TV commercial that highlights DPD’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in the UK.

Head of corporate social responsibility at DPD, Olly Craughan, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the new all-electric additions to the fleet.

“The 3.5t van is the workhorse of any delivery and collection fleet, so to get our hands on an EV with this kind of capacity and range is a real game changer for us,” he continued. 

“We’ve got EVs in every DPD depot already, but they are largely focused on quite compact routes, usually in city centres, where range isn’t an issue. But this opens up the possibility of clean, green deliveries on a much larger scale.” 

Maxus began taking orders for the E Deliver 3, its first compact electric van, last year. 

Two battery options are available: 35kWH and 52.5kWh, giving a range of up to 98 miles and 150 miles, respectively.

Both batteries can be charged from 0-80% in 45 minutes, using a rapid charger.

Meanwhile, the E Deliver 9, which replaced the EV80, has a maximum range of 219 miles and can be specified with one of three battery options. There’s a choice of 55.1kWh, 72kWh and 88.5kWh. A 203PS/350Nm electric motor powers the new E Deliver 9.

A battery cooling system enables fast DC charging, with a 5%-80% charge taking 45 minutes.

Two size options are offered, offering cargo volumes of 9.7 cubic meters and 11.0 cubic metres.

Denise Harris, CEO of the Harris Group, says DPD’s decision to choose Maxus is an “outstanding endorsement” of the brand.

Craughan concluded: “We know from our shippers that being able to offer their customers green deliveries is a huge plus point, while the feedback on the doorstep is similarly positive.”

DPD’s aim is to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK entirely with zero and low-emission delivery means by 2025.