Speedy has invested £8.25m to expand its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), with the purchase of 150 new Ford E-Transit models.
The investment forms part of the firm’s target for more than half of its 1,100 strong commercial fleet to be electric or hybrid by 2025, and a fully low-carbon fleet by 2030.
Speedy, a national construction equipment hire and services provider, has ordered 100 4.25-tonne single chassis cab Ford E-Transit models and 50 3.5-tonne E-Transit panel vans. They will be distributed across its UK-wide network to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) within the fleet.
Chris Dempsey, managing director – operational support at Speedy, said: “Transforming our fleet with low and zero carbon models is crucial to leading the hire industry’s journey towards decarbonisation and aligns with our strategy of de-carbonising our property network and expanding our low-emission ECO tools and equipment range.
“Our strategy supports our customer’s sustainability objectives as they strive to deliver projects with minimal environmental impact, of which site deliveries play a vital role. This significant investment in new electric vehicles demonstrates our commitment in helping our customers achieve these aims.”
The Ford E-Transit trial vehicle will be in operation at Speedy in July, with the 150 strong fleet coming on stream from October.
Adam Harkin, Ford of Britain & Ireland head of national fleet accounts, added: “Ford has been Speedy’s preferred vehicle supplier over many years, and we are delighted to continue that partnership as the company accelerates its move to a zero carbon future and transitions to electric alternatives for its fleet.
“As Speedy invests in electric vehicles, Ford looks forward to working together to find further opportunities to maximise the productivity and sustainability of its delivery fleet through our integrated Ford Pro solutions.”
The van investment follows Speedy overhauling its company car list, with 100% of models available to colleagues now being ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV). Four in five of its company cars will be ULEVs by the end of the year based on its current orders. Since the summer last year, Speedy has also fuelled its HGVs and tankers with low carbon hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to reduce emissions.
The hire provider became the first company to introduce a fully electric powered access delivery truck into its fleet in December last year. It’s also rolling out electric vehicle charging points across its 200-strong network of service centres for colleague and customer use.
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Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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