LeasePlan becomes preferred leasing partner for Arrival

LeasePlan has become the preferred operational leasing partner for Arrival electric vans and has agreed to an initial order of 3,000 vehicles.

The new vehicle is expected to begin trials with fleet operators this summer, before entering mainstream production next year.

Tex Gunning, CEO at LeasePlan, said: “Demand for online shopping is skyrocketing, but this demand has to be met responsibly, and concerns about pollution from delivery vehicles need to be addressed. I’m therefore delighted to be partnering with Arrival, which will see LeasePlan delivering some of the greenest. cleanest and truly innovative eLCVs to our customers.

“Together we are going to revolutionize the fast-growing eLCV market and make zero emission deliveries part and parcel of the New Normal.”

The Arrival electric van will have a payload of up to1,975kg and cargo volume of 2.4 cubic metres per metre in length.

A modular battery, ranging from 44hWh to 133kWh, enables operators to choose the battery configuration that is best suited for their range requirements.

The vehicle, which will be available in lengths from 5.1m to 6.5m, will use a lightweight aluminium frame and proprietary composite body panels to significantly decrease the weight of the vehicle for greater range efficiency, reduce the frequency and cost of repairs, as well as extend the van’s life expectancy.

Avinash Rugoobur, president of Arrival, said: “LeasePlan is not only the world’s largest Car-as-a-Service company, but they have also shown a long-term commitment to carbon footprint reduction as founding members of the EV100 – really putting sustainability on the map long before it was popular.

“Arrival is thrilled to be partnering with a fellow company leading the charge to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions vehicles, bringing sustainable mobility and cleaner air to cities around the world. This shows Arrival’s method is truly game changing and can roll out in multiple locations rapidly.

“With this new partnership, Arrival will be able to deepen and expand our presence globally, working with LeasePlan to bring the best possible products to its customers and in turn helping them to achieve their own sustainability goals.”