Lyreco expands electric fleet

Lyreco, distributor of workplace products and services has invested £2.3m in the expansion of its electric fleet of vans.

From the investment, 50 new Ford E-Transit electric vans have been purchased to join the firm’s existing 17 Renault Master Z.E all-electric light goods vehicles. The investment takes the number of electric delivery vehicles from 17 to 67.

The company said the Ford E-Transits provide a ‘real-world’ range and carrying capacity which has allowed it to utilise electric vehicle (EV) technology on a wider range of its deliveries than before.

Michael Milward, managing director at Lyreco, said: “At Lyreco we pride ourselves on doing what’s right for the people, the planet and our community.

 “Expanding our electric fleet is part of our Lyreco Goodness pledge, which includes embedding sustainable practices into our business strategy, with every step of the supply chain scrutinised for social, environmental, and economic impact.

“Lyreco focuses on supplying sustainable and ethically sourced products, many of which are either externally certified, made to reduce the impact on the planet, certified to improve the wellbeing and safety of people at work safety or support societies.”

Lyreco said that the EV fleet is planned to be deployed across 13 of the firm’s 24 regional distribution centres across the UK, in areas including Dartford, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford.

The company also said the vans at the Lyreco national distribution centre site in Telford will be charged by electricity generated by its own renewable energy solar panel-powered charging stations.

Lyreco have invested more than £124,000 in charging infrastructure across the regional distribution centre network.

Peter Gojka, building services manager at Lyreco, said: “The acceleration to electrify our fleet has been driven by our desire to embrace sustainable change and demonstrate commitment to moving away from diesel.

“In making this significant investment to our infrastructure we are playing an active role in reducing the environmental impact of delivery transport while safeguarding the planet, our customers and our business.

“There will come a point when businesses are forced to change. Our aim is to lead the charge and we have paid great attention to how our new electric delivery vehicles can bring the greatest benefits to our customers and our operations right now.”

The acquisition of the new vehicles is in line with Lyreco’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 and also meets the firm’s Clean Van Commitment; a corporate pledge to move to zero tailpipe emission vans by 2028.

Lyreco said since 2013 it has reduced fuel consumption per delivery by more than 31% through route optimisation, fleet improvements, driver training and telematics provided by Lytx.

Customer orders have been consolidated reducing overall deliveries, with particular attention paid to the last mile, said Lyreco.

The company said plans are being put in place to install charging stations at Lyreco’s remaining sites in 2023.

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