Barhale opts for LEVC VN5 following electric van trial

Civil engineering firm Barhale has added four LEVC VN5 range extender vans to its fleet, following a trial of different electric models.

The new VN5s are provided by Europcar on a long-term rental basis. The rental business added 100 examples of the van to its fleet, in January.

Barhale opted for the LEVC model after trialling smaller electric rivals, including the Citroen e-Berlingo and the Renault Kangoo ZE.

The VN5 is equipped with a range extender petrol engine and offers a pure electric range of up to 76 miles, which can then be boosted to up to 304 miles.

“We are always keen to incorporate low and no emissions vehicles into our fleet,” said Nathan Phipps, fleet manager at Barhale. “Working on a diverse range of projects, including with a variety of utility companies across the UK, using more sustainable vehicles helps us to meet our own objectives as well as those of our clients. And working with Europcar gives us the flexibility to select the right vehicles for each contract, including low and zero emission models.”

The LEVC VN5s added to the Barhale fleet have been wrapped in Barhale branding as well as Chapter 8 livery on the back. They also feature Geotab telematics and SureCam camera systems, for driver safety.

Keith Shorter, Europcar Mobility Group UK Vans & Trucks director, added: “This latest project with Barhale is the perfect example of how we are working closely with our clients to support their own sustainability goals, reducing emissions and running costs. With a wide range of electric vehicles available, and a focus on actively increasing the share of green vehicles in our fleet, Europcar is helping businesses of all sizes meet their environmental targets in the best way to suit their requirements and those of their customers.”