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Royal Mail has deployed its 6,000th electric vehicle (EV) at the Manchester Mail Centre, joining 15 others already operating at the site for deliveries and collections. The company now operates the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet, with over 240 Royal Mail offices across the country using EVs. Royal Mail purchased its first 100 electric vans in December 2017, reaching 5,000 vehicles by July 2023. Most of the company’s electric vans are charged on-site using 100% renewable electricity, making them zero-emission. “We are excited to reach this major milestone just as we enter 2025,” said Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail’s chief operating officer. “Electric vehicles are an essential part of our plan to be net-zero by 2040 and offer many benefits for both our staff and customers. Our zero-emission vehicles make our deliveries greener, reducing noise and air pollution in local communities.” In July 2023, Royal Mail announced plans to add another 2,100 electric vans as part of its fleet replacement program. The company later struck a deal with Peugeot to supply the vans, including 1,100 British-built E-Partners and 1,000 fully electric E-Expert vans. By the time all the new vehicles are operational, Royal Mail’s electric fleet will consist of 7,100 vans. Electrifying its delivery fleet is a key part of Royal Mail’s strategy to lower vehicle emissions. The company is also using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a renewable alternative to diesel for many of its heavy goods vehicles, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90%. Royal Mail’s ‘Steps to Zero’ strategy aims for net-zero emissions by 2040. The company has already cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% in four years, intending to reduce them by 50% by 2030. |
