Van User - August 2022

vanuser www.va nu s er.co.u k

AUGUST 2022

THE MAGAZINE FOR LCV FLEET OPERATORS

DRIVER WELFARE TECHNOLOGY

COMPLIANCE TELEMATICS

SUSTAINABILITY

FUEL CARDS

MAINTENANCE

SIMPLIFYING FLEET MANAGEMENT DAILY CHECKS

VW AMAROK | RENAULT TRUCKS TRAFIC | ROAD TO ZERO

That’s the sound of your company’s reputation hitting another challenge.

But you can manage the risk to your drivers and your business by investing in world-class fleet consultancy, driver assessment and training. Something we’ve been providing to businesses worldwide for over 30 years.

We’re part of the AA too, so we know it makes a real difference to you that your drivers have the knowledge and experience to be the amongst the safest on the road.

It’s important to us because it’s our vision to make our roads safer for everyone.

So let’s work together to protect your reputation, reduce costs and save lives.

Safer Drivers. Safer Roads. www.drivetech.co.uk/saferdrivers email: tellmemore@drivetech.co.uk 01256 610907

World-class driver assessment and training

AUGUST 2022

Contents

W

hen a rather flustered driver, from a wellknown national parcel delivery business arrived at our door during the recent heat wave, I enquired if he had air conditioning in his Dan Gilkes, van. He laughed, somewhat editor bitterly and said no, he didn’t. I realise that as a magazine we are often given higher specification vehicles to drive, but I had almost forgotten that there were light commercials that didn’t have an A/C button.

In that week of 400C heat, it was almost unbearable in my equally non-air conditioned office, but I could at least go and stand by an open fridge and grab an iced lolly. I can’t imagine what it would have been like at the wheel of a van, stuck in traffic, trying to meet a multi-drop deadline.

Indeed, at one point, I almost went for a drive in our long-term Trafic to cool down in the airconditioned cab.

Surely, in this day and age, air-con should be becoming a standard fit, or at least the first option box to be ticked by a fleet manager with Duty of Care in mind? It would certainly make the van more attractive as a second-hand purchase.

That is perhaps easy for me to say, it’s not my money being spent after all. However, when it does come to my money, I haven’t purchased a car without air-con since 1996.

Of course, some companies aren’t even investing in a van any more, as e-cargo bikes and other means of low-emission transport start to gain traction in the last-mile delivery sector.

We’ll be taking a look at some of the possible solutions over the coming months and would love to hear from any companies employing any non-van solutions, such as e-cargo bikes. Do drop us a line if you’d like to have a chat about how it’s going.

16 NEWS VW announces ID. Buzz Cargo pricing JCT600 expands VW dealerships 6 Used van prices rise again Record interest in e-LCV for Reflex Expansion of rapid charging provision

ROAD TO ZERO 26 Expansion leads to e-LCV order

8 Renault announces new Kangoo pricing

First Hydrogen to trial vans

Stonemason opts for Iveco heavyweight

Reynolds opts for electric future Bidfood electrifies London deliveries

UK CV production growing

LAUNCH

28

10 Renault Trucks Trafic 13 VW Amarok

ROAD TEST

10 FLEET MANAGEMENT

CONTACTS Editor Dan Gilkes 07802 751473 dangilkes1@mac.com

Design and production Mark Shreeve 01502 725839 mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Editorial assistant Polly Coleman 01502 725840 polly.coleman@micropress.co.uk

Sales Manager Dan Rice T: 01502 725858 daniel.rice@micropress.co.uk

Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH 01502 725800 www.vanuser.co.uk Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd

26

4 Time and cost are main concerns for e-van drivers

16 Billingsgate traders take part in sustainability pilot

28 Toyota Corolla Commercial

LONG-TERM ROAD TEST 30 Final report: Renault Trafic Sport+

18 Q&A: Martin Dean, RHA’s van lead 20 Fuel cards: Fuel for thought 22 Daily inspection app expands its offer 24 Telematics: Good for your pocket, good for the environment 25 Are robots the next step in home delivery?

30 AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 3

News VW announces ID. Buzz Cargo pricing Available to order in August, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing and UK specifications for the ID. Buzz Cargo full electric van. All models will be powered by a 77kWh battery pack, delivering up to 256 miles of driving range through a 204hp motor.

Time and cost are main concerns for e-van drivers A recent Go Electric report from Ford shows that 71% of van drivers are concerned that they would be left out of pocket if they had to charge a company-owned van. More than 70% of van drivers also incorrectly assumed that the average range of an electric van is just 67.5 miles. The new E-Transit is capable of as much as 196 miles.

The report contacted 500 UK van drivers and range anxiety remained one of the biggest barriers to e-LCV adoption, with 44% of drivers claiming that they wouldn’t be able to fit charging time into their work schedule during the day. That said, only 20% of the drivers said that they had charging points at work, with 52% saying that they had no option to charge at home.

Surprisingly, only 42% of the van drivers contacted said they knew how to charge an electric vehicle. In addition, 71% of drivers were unsure how they would get reimbursed if they did manage to charge a company-owned van at home.

Future electric Despite these concerns, 49% of the drivers contacted believed that electric vans would be the most common type of van on UK roads within 10

years. More than a third said that their employer was planning to switch to e-LCVs within the next 4-6 months and more than a quarter of the drivers felt that their company would be thought of more positively if it ran EVs. Making the switch “With the Ford Transit being the best-selling vehicle in the UK, tackling the concerns of Britain’s workforce is an important task in helping the nation go green and make the switch to electric,” said Mandy Dean, commercial vehicle director, Ford of Britain.

“Understanding people’s perceptions of electric vehicles is vital to making sure we’re all on board, including within the vital commercial vehicle segment, which is so important for keeping the UK’s economy growing.

“With concerns around being out of pocket a key worry for drivers, we’ve introduced simplified billing and administration, via Ford Pro Charging software, which means that fleet drivers can charge at home and the energy cost will be exactly calculated and sent to their business for reimbursement.”

JCT600 expands VW dealerships Yorkshire-based dealer JCT600 has acquired Volkswagen Van Centre West Yorkshire, including its outlets in Cleckheaton and Leeds. The two sites will join JCT600’s existing VW van outlets in York, Sheffield and Hull, plus its service centre in Leeds. The move will make JCT600 one 4 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

of the biggest Volkswagen van retailers in the UK. “The addition of the Cleckheaton and Leeds dealerships is a great fit for us, strengthening our retail van operations in West Yorkshire and giving us coverage across the entire region.” said JCT600 chief executive John Tordoff.

Two trim levels Starting from £38,125, before the Plug-in Van Grant, the ID. Buzz Cargo will be offered in two trim levels, Commerce and Commerce Plus. Commerce will include LED headlights, three seats with a heated driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, Ready 2 Discover infotainment system with 10” touchscreen, wireless App-Connect for Apple and Android plus multiple USB-C charging ports. The price also includes the first three services and one MOT. Moving up to Commerce Plus, where pricing starts at £42,375, adds Adaptive Cruise Control, keyless entry, Park Assist Plus with a memory function, a rear view camera, multi-function leatherette steering wheel, heated windscreen, Discover Pro navigation with 10” touchscreen and a range of driver assistance systems such as Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist.

Load volume The ID. Buzz Cargo can take two Euro pallets loaded sideways, in a load volume of 3.9m3. It can haul up to 607kg in Commerce trim, dropping to 592kg in Commerce Plus.

Trailer towing capacity is 1 tonne for either model. The van can accommodate up to 11kW AC for overnight charging, or up to 170kW DC rapid charging, which would take the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Isuzu Grafter

Isuzu 3.5T Euro 6 Isuzu trucks are robust and adaptable enough to suit any number of different applications.

The 3.5T Grafter chassis cab is available with either single or twin rear wheels. The standard ‘Driveaway’ vehicle body options include Dropside, Tipper and Utilitruck.

www.isuzutruck.co.uk

NEWS

Used van prices rise again According to remarketing company BCA, used light commercial vehicle prices rose in June versus May, the first time that prices have gone up in 2022. Buyers are paying premiums for Luton bodied conversions with tail lifts and twin rear wheels, while welfare vans are also very much in demand to satisfy the construction industry summer demand.

Minibuses are also sought after, regardless

of age or mileage and fridge vans are performing well, but are scarce. Freezer vans must have fully insulated slab doors, with side and rear access preferred to generate the best interest.

Again, twin rear wheel vans are the most popular, as buyers look to maximise payload.

“The new LCV market continues to experience pressure, recording the sixth straight month of significant decline in year-on-year

volumes,” said Stuart Pearson, BCA COO. “Even though things may be challenging for the used sector, a significant downturn in values is unlikely in the medium term. It underlines the somewhat unpredictable nature of the current marketplace, that average values should rise in what typically has been one of the quieter months for light commercial vehicle demand.”

Expansion of rapid charging provision EV charging app Zap-Map has published mid-year figures for public charge point installations in 2022.

To the end of June, the number of rapid charge points had increased by 40% since the end of 2021, providing ultra-rapid charging for longer distance EV use. In total, the number of public charging points grew by 15% since the end of December, to 32,663.

Record interest in e-LCV for Reflex National flexible vehicle rental company Reflex Vehicle Hire is reporting record interest in electric vans. At one recent event, 80% of van fleet enquiries received by Reflex were for more information regarding e-LCVs and cars. More than 50% of non-rate card requests since May have been for EVs. To meet this demand, Reflex has added Mercedes-Benz eVito vans to its fleet.

To ensure the best experience, the company is using a fleet evaluation service to provide whole life cost comparisons for customers, between e-LCVs and their combustion alternatives. This includes recharging costs and compares EV range to current mileage trend patterns, based on fleet telematic data. This has already revealed that 6 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

some fleets could transition to an electric fleet now, based on current usage and available models.

“While diesel continues to be a mainstay of many of the van fleets that we provide vehicles to, interest in electric vehicles has reached a tipping point, with soaring demand driven by government policy and rising fuel costs,” said Lisa Spong, Reflex Vehicle Hire sales director.

BEV popularity grows Battery electric has overtaken petrol, to become the most popular fuel type on the BVRLA’s passenger car leasing fleet, according to the association’s latest Leasing Outlook report. Around 32% of new orders were for pure electric vehicles, the first time that battery electric has been the most popular powertrain.

The penetration of electric drivelines into the van market lags some years behind the car sector, with diesel still accounting for more than 90% of BVRLA lease vehicles.

Reduce range anxiety While chargers are being installed nationwide, the North East has seen the highest rate of growth, up 21% in the first six months of the year.

That said, Greater London has recorded the highest actual number of new installations, with public charge points increasing from 9,160 devices at the end of 2021, to 10,865 by the end of June, a rise of more than 18%.

“The 40% increase in the number of rapid chargers is clearly the headline figure so far in 2022,” said Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zap-Map. “These types of chargers make longer journeys far easier, so the big increase should really mean we see an end to range anxiety. But let’s not forget the slower chargers also have a critical role to play. They might not provide the excitement of adding hundreds of miles in minutes, but with more than half a million pure-electric cars now on UK roads, their part to play in the adoption of electric is just as important.

The DVSA recently revealed that 88.5% of LCVs stopped at the roadside were overloaded.

With plans to pull over more LCV’s on the roadside and to potentially enforce HGVlike legislation on the LCV market, isn’t about time you checked your minibus or van’s laden weights, especially the individual axle weights? SvTech has discovered many more vans have overloaded rear axles than previously thought. Any overload could invalidate your insurance.

SvTech can help with uprating your LCV to give you more payload, keeping you safe and legal. Most makes and models catered for. Call us to discuss your needs and try using our free Load Distribution program – www.svtech.co.uk/lda If you need to Downplate your LCV for LEZ purposes, we can help with that too.

SvTech Ltd, Chandler House, Talbot Rd, Leyland, Lancs PR25 2ZF 01772 621800 www.svtech.co.uk

Mad Suspension Systems transform the load carrying and driving characteristics of hard working light commercial vehicles. As used by major utilities, recovery services, government agencies and many other van operators.

• Level ride height • Improved ride and stability • Tow couplings at correct height • Less wear and tear

FIND THE RIGHT SPRINGS FOR YOUR VAN Visit www.mad-suspension.co.uk Tel 01386 882997 or email sales@mad-suspension.co.uk

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 7

NEWS

Stonemason opts for Iveco heavyweight

G

riffith Memorials, of Porth in Cornwall, requires maximum carrying capacity to transport granite headstones and memorials nationwide. This has led the company to purchase a 7-tonne Iveco Daily crew cab dropside, equipped with a 750kg capacity Dhollandia tail lift. The company has paired the Daily with a twin axle trailer, for maximum carrying capacity.

The 7-tonne Daily has a payload of 4,300kg and can tow up to 3,500kg, providing the company with the capacity of a much larger truck. The trailer is equipped with a Maeda mini crawler crane that is used to move stonework on site, some of which can weigh more than 1 tonne.

“We tow a trailer that carries heavy stone and a crane, so we were looking for a vehicle that was small and agile to tackle very narrow paths in cemeteries while also being able to cope with our payload requirements,” said Geraint Griffith, managing director.

Renault announces new Kangoo pricing

R

enault’s new Kangoo van is available to pre-order, with prices starting at £17,650 before the VAT. The van is offered in Start and Advance trim levels, with all models having automatic wipers and lights, a 3.5” TFT driver display, DAB radio with Bluetooth, electric windows, manual air conditioning, heated, adjustable mirrors and cruise control.

E-Tech Fully electric Kangoo E-Tech models, which start at £30,500, get automatic air-con, heated seats and heated windscreen. Advance vans come with an 8” touchscreen with EasyLink and smartphone integration, an electric parking brake, reverse

parking sensors, body-coloured door rails and a wide view mirror.

The much-improved E-Tech models now boast a 45kWh battery, offering up to 186 miles of range. Rapid DC charging is now available on Kangoo E-Tech, promising an 80% charge in around 43 minutes. Companies not ready to move to an electric van can choose between 95hp and 115hp diesel engines, or a 100hp petrol engine. For the first time, the more powerful diesel engine can also be paired with a seven-speed EDC automated transmission.

Pre-orders are being taken at Renault dealers, with official order books opening on September 1. Customer deliveries should start in October.

Great all-rounder “The Iveco Daily is built for purpose, even when we do long distance work, it carries all our equipment plus the full team of six, and it gives us great fuel efficiency. It’s a great all-rounder.”

With a potential combined overall weight of 10-tonnes, a Telma Electromagnetic retarder keeps the Daily in-check on steep slopes, minimising brake wear. An on-board weight monitor ensures the vehicle is always within its weight limit and an 1,800W inverter powers floodlights when on site. Supplied by Glenside Commercials in Caerphilly, the Daily will cover around 8,000 miles annually and will remain in service for 10 years.

UK CV production growing UK commercial vehicle production increased by 64.4% in June, making June the highest month since 2015, 32.7% up on the pre-pandemic five-year average.

This was the sector’s sixth consecutive month of increased output, with demand particularly strong from overseas customers.

Indeed, exports of British-built CVs jumped by 133% year on year in June, with almost six in 10 CVs being sold 8 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

abroad. That’s not to say that there wasn’t domestic demand too, with UK growth of 16.7% against last year. Output from January to June was the highest since 2012, with manufacturers investing to meet demand from across the EU. “The CV sector’s best first half performance in a decade is evidence of its resilience, as manufacturers strive to ensure orders for these vehicles, which are critical to the UK economy, are delivered in a

highly challenging economic environment,” said Mike Hawes SMMT chief executive (pictured right).

“At the same time, manufacturers are committed to building a growing range of more fuel efficient and zero emission vans, trucks, buses, coaches and taxis, an essential step towards achieving Net Zero, while ensuring society can continue to move.”

VAN-RACKS WORK SMARTER

Helping you to keep your fleet secure Protect your vans with our award-winning security solutions ROOF BARS

L4V HOOK LOCK

ROOF RACKS

‘Next generation’ deadlock to help prevent doors being levered apart.

L4V ANTI-PEEL

Developed to restrict doors from being peeled down.

ACCESSORIES

L4V SHIELDING

VAN SEAT COVERS

Protect vulnerable mechanisms from puncture attacks.

Protect and maintain the condition of your van seats and improve the re-sale value of your van. Transport 3.0 is the best-selling van style, sold in sets, e.g. a drivers seat and a double bench seat.

L4V STATEMENT LOCK

Our surface mounted lock that braces doors together for a high security result.

Call 01474 560 077 Email sales@locks4vans.co.uk www.locks4vans.co.uk

✓ Expert advice ✓ Huge choice ✓ Fast UK delivery

Need help? Call us now or visit

Fleet discounts available

van-racks.co.uk 01539 621884

VanWeigh® Overload Protection Load Optimisation

Accuracy better than ±2.5% (90% - 100% of GVW) Suitable for twin axle LCVs Gross/axle overload monitoring Maximise payload capacity Connects to smartphone or tablet Please call for details: +44 (0) 1274 771177 or obw.eur@vpgsensors.com

Telematics output Additional features available.

vpgonboard.com

Scan Me

©2022 Vishay Precision Group, Inc.

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 9

TONNE UP FOR TRAFIC

Renault Trucks joins the 1-tonne van market with its own take on the Trafic van and a platform cab, by Dan Gilkes

R

enault Trucks has launched its own version of the Trafic midweight van, to sit alongside the larger Master Red Edition that is already sold through its dealers across the UK. As with the heavier model, the truck business is putting its own spin on the Trafic, which is of course already available from Renault itself and through Nissan, where it is now called the Primastar.

The company, plans to sell around 600 Trafics in the last six months of this year, rising to 1,900 in 2023 and at least 10 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

“

The load volume equals many larger 3.5-tonne Luton vans

3,000 a year by 2024. By that time, it will also be registering around 5,000 Masters, demonstrating the growing importance of the light commercial sector to the truck builder and its dealer network.

Platform cab As with the heavier van, Renault Trucks will differentiate its Trafic models from those of Renault, with dedicated specifications and the availability of a platform cab for a wide range of conversions, something that Renault

itself doesn’t offer in the UK. The platform cab will form the base for a range of bodies that extend to an incredible 17m3 City Mover box on the L2 chassis.

That load volume equals many larger 3.5-tonne Luton vans, though in a more urban-friendly package, yet the compact Trafic still manages to carry a healthy 950kg.

A Trafic E-Tech electric van will join the line-up in May of next year, but until then the vans will be offered with a choice of four variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine. They come with 110hp,

LAUNCH | RENAULT TRUCKS TRAFIC

130hp, 150hp and 170hp, though Renault Trucks is very much promoting the 150hp engine as its fuel economy and emissions champion.

The company will put some clear air between itself and competitors by making the six-speed EDC automated transmission standard with the 150hp and 170hp engines, though the six-speed manual will still be offered as a delete option if customers prefer.

The two lower powered engines and the platform cab also get the manual as standard, though the company is working to get the EDC box in platform cabs in the near future.

One reason that customers might opt for the manual, is that the automatic transmission has a towing limit of 1,690kg, while manual gearbox vans can haul a 2,500kg trailer. Talking of weight, Renault Trucks will not offer lighter versions of the Trafic range, with all models except the Combi based on the 3-tonne gross van. That results in potential payloads of around 1,200kg.

High standards The company has set its sights high in terms of specification. Red Edition models are similar to Renault’s Business+ trim, while a new Red Exclusive trim line will sit above that. There are three special edition models on offer as well; the 1894 Edition, the Dakar Edi-

tion and the Racing Edition.

As the name suggests, the Racing Edition celebrates the Alpine F1 team, with all of the expected sporty add-ons and a French blue and Renault red colour scheme. That extends to a tri-colour leather interior, illuminated step wells and side bars. The 1894 Edition

“

OPTISAFE VAN In an attempt to deter thieves, the company has also designed the Optisafe van. Though outwardly unchanged, when you open either the sliding side door or the twin rear doors, you are met with an internal locking steel mesh with clear heavy-duty plastic screen, providing a second line of defence against tool and contents theft.

The inner doors intrude just 30mm into the load area and weigh just 105kg, leaving an available payload of more than 1,100kg. The Optisafe van will also come with a Cat 1 alarm and will cost £2,700, which is probably less than the loss of tools and time off the road for victims of van content theft.

Renault Trucks will offer a range of ready-bodied conversions, including an Optichiller refrigerated conversion refers to a special truck line that the company has, in memory of founder Marius Berliet. It includes a blue and gold alcantara interior, with a fridge in the cab, along with all of the usual visual clues.

The third model is the Dakar Edition, that references the firm’s recent success in the gruelling desert race.

Designed for those who enjoy off-road sports, the van comes with hand cleaning equipment and an electric jetwash in the rear, for cleaning dirt bikes and other equipment.

Renault Trucks will offer a range of ready-bodied conversions, including an Optichiller refrigerated conversion from CoolKit and an Optichiller 2 box body from Gray and Adams. There is an Opticage caged dropside from Stevens and a Jiffy truck hot/cold food vending body that will be launched later this year. Trade customers can also choose between two Multitrade vans, suitable for on-site engineers, with internal racking and a work bench from Bott and on-board power for tools. Renault Trucks has even commissioned a campervan conversion, called the Alp D’Huez, from Sussex Campervans.

Sales and servicing While the company is certainly offering a wide range of body options, Gracontinued on p12 AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 11

LAUNCH | RENAULT TRUCKS TRAFIC

continued from p11 hame Neagus, head of LCV and municipal at Renault Trucks, claims that it will be the dealer sales and service experience that will attract prospective customers. As has already been seen with Master Red Edition sales, customers are drawn to the availability of 24-hour servicing and repair. They also appreciate the consultative sales approach, that ensures that the customer ends up with exactly the right van specification for the task.

The expertise that is required to specify a heavy truck, with body builders and converters involved in building an individual vehicle, is easily transferred to the van market. Customers will also be able to access Renault Trucks’ contract hire and finance products, plus its service and maintenance contracts.

While the Trafic van may be a familiar sight on our roads, Renault Trucks is expanding the range of models on offer, with the platform cab in particular opening up various new potential options for buyers.

TRAVEL SAFE...

WITH A TRAVEL SAFE

Each heavy gauge steel unit comes in two parts, a base plate usually fixed to the floor, and a portable container which locks to the base and can only be removed by the key holder.

COLLECT SAFE: Mainly used by roundsmen or retailers taking coins, notes and cheques. Fitted with baffled slot as standard.

COMMERCIAL SAFE: Medium size – ideal for regular collections from vending machines/rent payments etc. Automatically locks into base, and can be supplied with either one or two locks. The single lock operates both lid and base whilst the twin lock version has designated locks.

INDUSTRIAL SAFE: For collections of large amounts of valuables. Has optional tops, ie: roll top, coin chute etc. Two lock version available.

For more information, or to discuss your own specific requirements, please call 01308 423871.

www.checkmatesafes.co.uk Telephone: 01308 423871 Fax: 01308 458276 12 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

VW AMAROK | LAUNCH

The next

AMAROK

V

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles will re-enter the pickup market in the UK early in 2023. The new Amarok will be built in partnership with Ford’s next Ranger, at a joint production plant in South Africa. It will be powered by a range of Ford engines, but VW insists that everything that the customer touches will be dedicated to Volkswagen.

The truck will be 96mm longer than its predecessor, with a 173mm longer wheelbase. This provides more room in the second row of seats for double cab models, while allowing the pick-up bed to carry two Euro pallets. Though only seen as a double cab here in the past, the second-generation Amarok will be offered with a single cab as well in some countries this time.

Shorter front and rear overhangs

provide improved off-road capability and, as before, VW will offer both part-time and permanent 4Motion four-wheel drive systems. Fording depth has also increased, from 500mm to 800mm, further boosting off-road performance.

Engine choice Under the bonnet, VW will market Amarok with a choice of four diesel engines and one petrol. While there is no news of an electric or hybrid driveline at present, VW insists that Amarok has been designed for the adoption of an electric powertrain in the future.

For the time being, Ford’s familiar 2.0-litre single turbo diesel will be available with 150hp or 170hp, while a bi-turbo can be had with 204hp (or 209hp depending on market). A 3.0-li-

“

tre V6 turbodiesel tops the range with 241/250hp, again depending on the territory. Customers that prefer a petrol engine can choose a 2.3-litre turboVW will charged model with 302hp, though the market Amarok new V6 petrol that will power Ford’s Raptor will not be available in the VW. with a choice

of four diesel engines and one petrol

Driving modes A six-speed manual gearbox or a sixspeed automatic will be standard on lower powered models, with a 10-speed automatic available on the bi-turbo diesel engine. The V6 and petrol motors will also get the 10-speed auto as standard. The trucks will come with six driving modes, with specific settings for slippery conditions and demanding off-road terrain. There will also be a host of new ADAS features continued on p14 AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 13

LAUNCH | VW AMAROK

continued from p13 on offer, while IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights will help to give the latest VW its distinctive look.

Trim levels Up to five trim levels will be built, from the base Amarok specification through Life and Style. An off-road biased PanAmericana model will compete for range-topping spot with the more onroad Aventura.

The trucks will use VW’s 12” Digital Cockpit fully digital dash on Style and above, along with a 10” infotainment screen, that also moves to 12” on Style trim and above. Smartphone integration is standard and VW will offer a range of mobile online services. Range-topping Aventura and PanAmericana models will also come with Harmon Kardon sound systems.

14 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

At the working end, there is 1,206mm between the wheel arches in the pick-up bed, allowing a Europallet to be carried sideways in the back.

The Amarok will boast a payload potential of up to 1,160kg and the trucks will be able to pull a 3.5-tonne trailer. The pick-ups will ride on a range of wheels from 16” to 21” in diameter, with all-terrain tyres of up to 18” standard on the PanAmericana.

The tailgate, which bears an embossed Amarok logo, is included in the central locking system on Life models and above, while an electrically-operated bed cover will also be available.

Some markets will get the new Amarok late this year, with the majority, including the UK, taking the truck early in 2023. Full UK specifications and pricing will be announced nearer the time.

“

An off-road biased PanAmericana model will compete for range-topping spot with the more on-road Aventura

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 15

FLEET MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABILITY

Billingsgate traders take part in sustainability pilot

F

ord Pro, the City of London Corporation and DHL Supply Chain have been working with 40 traders at London’s Billingsgate Market, on a delivery pilot that aims to reduce journeys, to cut emissions and air pollution. Launched in March and running until August, the pilot is looking at the way in which traders deliver from the fish market to commercial customers across the city.

The majority of those traders rely on vans to deliver fish and seafood to restaurants and other business customers.

However, for much of the day, those vans are sitting idle. The City Corporation identified an opportunity to consolidate journeys between traders, avoiding duplicating and cutting actual van use.

Significant savings Ford provided seven refrigerated vans, including a new E-Transit electric model, for the 18-week trial. The vans were 16 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

equipped with sensors to provide real-time data, using Ford Pro Telematics and FordLiive connected uptime systems to support fleet managers during the trial.

Funded by the City Corporation, which owns the market, the trial has seen significant savings. There has been a 37% reduction in CO2 emissions, with 949 fewer vehicle journeys into central

“

Ford provided seven refrigerated vans for the 18-week trial

London, resulting in around 15,000 less miles driven. This has led to lower operating costs for traders, through improved efficiency.

“This pilot has proved that using different modes of delivery not only reduces emissions and traffic, but can also offer a better service to both our market traders and their customers,” said continued on p18

Commercial vehicle conversions

NOW AVAILABLE

Land Rover Commercial Convertible Bulkhead Conversions

Please enquire for further details We also provide: • Commercial 4x4 conversions • Additional cab seating for HGVs • Double cab-in-van conversions • Custom ply linings • Work benches • Lighting • IVA tested seating for commercial vehicles • Wheelchair accessible vehicles • Towbars • Windows • Cab and passenger saloon heating and many other specialised conversions.

www.atlantechs.co.uk

Phone: 01327 34 24 84 Email: sales@atlantechs.co.uk 5-6 Faraday Close, Drayton Fields Industrial Est, Daventry, Northants NN11 8RD

FLEET MANAGEMENT

continued from p16 Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation.

“Our Markets Co-location Programme, which is set to co-locate Billingsgate, Smithfield and New Spitalfields at Dagenham Dock, offers many more opportunities for innovation in low-carbon transport and for greatly reducing the number of road journeys to and from the markets.”

Customer focused “The delivery service is getting better and better, so we’re not using our vans anymore,” said Youssef Archi, director of trader Ish Seafood.

“Before, every time we got a new customer, we needed a new van, which was just more headache for us. Now we can just focus on getting more customers.”

Mark Button, managing director of Barney’s Billingsgate agreed, saying: “I don’t usually take on new customers that aren’t on my existing routes.

Now, I can send the parcels via the delivery service and they arrive the same day. It’s cheaper than customers coming here and cheaper than me doing it. It can only be better for the environment that we use fewer vans. I would use a multi-dop-off service.”

“We’re delighted with our engagement with the traders and partners and the future direction that this strategic project offers customers of London’s wholesale markets,” said Tutu Akinkoye, GoGreen lead for DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland.

“Most exciting of all is the solution is replicable in other cities facing similar challenges, both in the UK and globally.”

elements of RHA membership. Our average van member has three vans and when we ask them why they want to join the RHA, the majority say they want to differentiate their business from their competition. The RHA brand is a very important one within the UK road transport sector and members are proud to display the RHA Member logo.

To be an RHA member and display that badge, demonstrates that these companies are legitimate, compliant and profitable businesses.

Q&A Martin Dean, RHA’s van lead

O

perating a fleet of light commercial vehicles is becoming increasingly complex and there has never been a better time to be represented by a professional organisation. The RHA’s (Road Haulage Association) van lead, Martin Dean, talks to Van User about Van Membership.

Van User: The RHA has had specific Van Membership available for some time now, how has membership been growing and developing?

Martin Dean: We are very encouraged with the level of take-up within the light commercial vehicle sector, after launching our Van Membership. Numbers are increasing every month and the membership team has commented of how popular it is with van operators.

VU: Are RHA Van Members all existing truck members, or have you been attracting new business that are van-specific?

MD: We have a large number of new members that solely operate in the light van sector, however it would be fair to say that the vast majority of van operators in membership operate both vans and HGVs. VU: What are the main benefits to RHA Van Membership and why should companies join?

MD: There are a number of benefits for van operators who wish to join the RHA. Conditions of Carriage is a significant benefit, along with the business support

18 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

VU: Do van members tend to be smaller companies or larger businesses, or a mix across the industry?

MD: We have a mixture of very large van operators as well as those companies with only one or two vans. Our average van member fleet is three vans.

VU: Does the RHA Helpdesk have specialist van knowledge and can it provide advice and information for van customers?

MD: The RHA Helpdesk is manned by industry trained professionals, that are at hand to assist and support members no matter what the issues are, we pride ourselves on the level of diverse expertise we have within the business.

VU: Are there van-specific training courses available within the RHA? MD: We have a number of van-specific courses to support the sector and we would be happy to talk to any van operator to meet their requirements going forward.

VU: As van operators are starting to move towards electric vehicles, is there anything that the RHA can do to support companies in this transition to EV, in terms of advice or expertise?

MD: The RHA is fully behind the transition to EV, particularly in the LCV sector. As you would expect, we have access to experts within this field to assist members make the transition away from fossil fuels to a more sustainable mode of transport embracing electrification.

VU: How do you see van membership developing within the RHA going forwards?

MD: Van membership will continue to grow slowly but steadily. We continue to see the LCV sector expand and the RHA will always be here to support companies to be compliant, profitable and sustainable, ready to meet the challenges of the coming years whatever they may be.

THE ULTIMATE IN VAN STORAGE KITS Van racking is bespoke to each vehicle, scan the QR code to check out our whole range online.

WWW.BiGDUG.CO.UK 0330 332 6312

FLEET MANAGEMENT

FUEL CARDS

Fuel for thought As diesel prices remain stubbornly high, are fuel cards a way for van operators to save money?

I

f you don’t have the luxury of bunkered fuel in the depot, the chances are that your drivers will be filling up on the road, at varying cost to the company. That could be at a local supermarket, or at any one of thousands of petrol stations around the country. Smaller businesses might ask drivers who occasionally fill using public stations to fund the purchase themselves and claim back on expenses, or they might issue a company credit card to the driver. But there are better ways for businesses to purchase and track fuel use.

It is a fairly simple process to report credit card purchases, but the company still has to process receipts, particularly to reclaim VAT, with drivers responsible for regular submission and logging of mileage and cost.

In some cases, this can create additional work, both for the driver and for the accounts department.

Simplify the process A fuel card can simplify the process, removing many of the risks involved. Fuel cards generate automatic receipts, with a proper VAT breakdown, in the form of a single week-

20 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

“

Fuel cards are not just for larger national fleets, there are plenty that offer something for SMEs and even for sole traders and new business start-ups.

ly or monthly invoice. This prevents drivers overclaiming mileage or losing paper receipts. As the majority of fuel cards are tied into larger fuel providers, this also negates the need for the driver to search around for the lowest price per litre in any given area, potentially reducing mileage and fuel use.

You should also save money on the fuel that is used. Fuel card providers negotiate lower than pump prices across a range of suppliers, saving as much as 5p/litre on national average prices and up to 10p/litre at more expensive motorway service forecourts.

The card itself can be linked to the driver, to the vehicle, or to a cost centre such as a depot, to suit each company.

Take control Fuel cards are not just for larger national fleets, there are plenty that offer something for SMEs and even for sole traders and new business startups. The right fuel card can help a small business to take control of their fuel costs. Providers like Fuel Card Services can also combine vehicle service, repair and maintenance with a

fuel card, incorporating pre-negotiated rates with garages nationwide and a pay-as-you-go service that helps to spread the cost of unexpected service requirements.

Electric vans Looking to the future, fuel cards can provide a simple way for drivers of electric vans to access recharging points, without having to be a member of multiple charging company schemes. Indeed, some providers offer a multi-fuel card, that will allow mixed-fleet drivers to fill up with diesel one day and top-up a battery the next, using the same payment card.

All transactions using all fuel types can be combined into a single HMRC-compliant invoice, making life easier for the accounts department and providing clarity of cost for fleet managers.

Even before the current rapid escalation in fuel prices, diesel costs were one of the biggest operational expenses for many van-based businesses.

Understanding fuel use and minimising that spend, can result in major savings for a company of any size.

Safe, secure and effortless ladder storage and handling.

FEAT URES: • Fully adjustable to ensure optimum performance to suit your vehicle and ladder variants • Double restraining strap system prevents ladder movement

• SafeClamp included in single and double ladder options to eliminate ladder movement while in transit ®

• Independently 20g crash tested

• Rubber cross bar inserts prevent damage to the ladders

Rh no PR

D U C T S

®

T: 0151 319 2931 E: sales@rhinoproducts.co.uk

www.rhinoproducts.co.uk

19/10/2021 14:37 AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 21

FLEET MANAGEMENT

DAILY CHECKS

Daily inspection app expands its offer

W

ith many fleets extending the service life of their light commercial vehicles, as lead times for new vans continue to stretch well into the future, there has never been a more important time to carry out daily checks. Companies need to establish a culture of daily inspection and regular defect reporting, to ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy.

This isn’t just a legal issue, though managers responsible for van health will certainly want to ensure that their vehicles are running within the letter of the law and that their fleets are compliant. There are also cost savings to be made by properly maintaining vehicles through early intervention. If a driver reports that a wing mirror fastening is loose, for example, it will cost far less to tighten or replace the screws, than to wait for the mirror to fall off and have to replace the entire unit.

provide managers with easy access to all daily check information, flagging up defects to allow companies to proactively repair and maintain their vehicles.

Tailor daily inspection The system comes with a library of DVSA, HSE, Puwer, Loler and UK Border Force check templates, though managers can tailor the daily inspection format to suit their individual vehicles. The app functions with the growing number of electric vans too, moving the focus away from oil and fuel levels, to battery condition and charging capacity. It works equally well for vans, trucks, buses and construction machinery and the company has a wide mix of clients, operating fleets of 1-1,000 vehicles.

“

A range of APIs allow the app to report to third-party fleet management software

Easy access There are plenty of options for drivers to report that necessary work needs to be completed, ranging from logbooks and paper forms, through to smartphone-based apps, that automatically report to a fleet manager’s computer.

CheckedSafe is an app-based system that continues to develop to meet the needs of an expanding customer base.

With a cost of just £1, per vehicle, per week, the CheckedSafe app works on both Apple and Android smartphones.

It is backed by a web portal, that can

NEWS

T

“Our van network has been booming since Covid,” said director and co-founder Gary Hawthorne.

“We have a lot of utility companies and their suppliers, while major leasing companies such as Northgate include the app as part of the process.”

Range of use While heavy trucks undergo regulated inspections every six weeks, as part of maintaining an Operating Licence, van fleets also require regular inspection. Increasingly though, the app is not simply being used to record vehicle condition. CheckedSafe provides GPS location tagging, to show where the van was inspected and to deliver geofencing.

It can also be used to send documents to drivers, such as company policies on health and safety. A range of APIs allow the app to report to third-party fleet management software as well, providing companies with timely vehicle fault information that can be incorporated into wider management systems.

“We’re always developing the app,” said Hawthorne. “We launched with a basic set of checks in 2015, but now we can include things like driver licence checking with the DVLA. Later this year we will also be launching a Domestic Hours function within the app. People are realising that they just can’t do this on paper any more.

“We are getting a lot more fleets now and their cost of maintenance is coming down, as they are using the app.”

DfBB saving money for building firms

he government-backed Driving for Better Business programme is helping companies in the construction and highways sectors to save money, by adopting a systematic approach to fleet and risk management. The scheme has engaged with thousands of UK businesses, in an effort to improve compliance for those who drive or ride for work, by demonstrating the benefits of managing work-related road risks.

Construction company Balfour Beatty, which employs around 12,000 drivers, has seen its crash frequency fall by 63% over the last six years, resulting in annual savings of £570,000. Tarmac recorded a reduction in speeding of 10% across all geographic re22 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

gions, resulting in a 48% drop in insurance claims and Clancy Docwra reported a saving of 65,000 on fuel and a 76% reduction in congestion charge fines.

“The construction and highways industries are acutely aware of the risks on-site and for years now have focused on eliminating hazards in the workplace,” said Simon Turner, campaign manager for Driving for Better Business.

“Many are recognising that any vehicle becomes part of the workplace. Driving for work is one of the highest-risk activities that most employees undertake. It is also a significant cost to the business.

Employers that manage this issue well have peace of mind that they are legally

compliant, are regarded by staff as better places to work and perform to a much higher level of efficiency than those that don’t.”

“If you are going to persuade a business to adopt these systems there needs to be a business case,” said Dave Conway, road safety manager at transport and construction business FM Conway.

“Within the first year of adopting the system, we found ourselves with a £56,000 reduction in our fleet insurance premium.

That’s a sound business case.”

Driving for Better Business has a range of practical, free to access resources for the construction sector at www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com.

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE TRACKING SOLUTION DESIGNED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND TRADE BUSINESSES WITH VANS, MACHINES, PLANT AND TOOLS

LIVE VEHICLE TRACKING EASY MULTI-DRIVER TRACKING POWERED AND NON-POWERED TOOL TRACKERS

24/7 SUPPORT

DRIVING SCORING & TRAINING

GEOFENCE TO REDUCE THEFT

SELF-INSTALL TECHNOLOGY

FULL REPORTING SUITE INCL SECR EMISSIONS

Unhappy with your current provider?

Tied into a lengthy contract?

Switch to ABAX & we will cover the cost!

Speak to ABAX about contract buy-out, subject to T&C's.

WEB: WWW.ABAX.COM/UK

TEL: 01733 698888

EMAIL: INFO@ABAX.CO.UK

FLEET MANAGEMENT

TELEMATICS

NEWS

Tyre costs on the rise Fleets are facing rising costs for tyres, due to double-digit percentage price increases from manufacturers, according to asset manager i247 Group. This is partly due to a rise in price for raw materials, due to rubber shortages, while transportation costs, from rising shipping bills to diesel prices, are all adding to tyre cost pressure.

“The price escalation is substantial and we’re seeing two principal reasons for this,” said David Legg, director of tyres at i247 Group.

“We’ve seen manufacturer price increases due to cost rises across materials, logistics, labour and fuel.

We need fleet managers and drivers to be aware of the cost hikes we’re seeing. The challenges in both tyre and staff supply mean that it’s critical to book your tyre changes in advance, to ensure your requirements can be managed as efficiently as possible.”

MAN TGE is right for Wrights Self-drive commercial vehicle hire specialist Wrights of Northampton is adding 40 MAN TGE vans chassis to its 145-vehicle fleet. The company, which already has more than 100 MAN models, is taking 10 chassis cabs with Luton bodies and 30 TGE panel vans, all of which are front wheel drive.

Four standard height chassis cabs have been equipped with JC Paine Luton bodies and 500kg tail lifts. A further two standard height chassis, along with four reduced height Flatframe chassis cowls, have been equipped with walk-in Luton bodies by Commercial Vehicle Bodies of Northampton. All of the Luton bodies are fitted with aerodynamic pods above the cabs.

Wrights has specified all of the panel vans and the chassis with the 140hp version of the VW Group 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and the optional eight-speed automatic transmission 24 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

Good for your pocket, good for the environment

T

elematics systems can provide financial and operational benefits, as well as contributing to theft prevention, says provider ABAX. One of those potential benefits is improved driver performance. A fleet that is driven efficiently and safely, is better for your pocket and for the environment.

On average, ABAX users save a claimed 18.5% on fuel costs and are able to analyse driving behaviour for a safer, greener fleet, that spends at least £22.30 less per vehicle, per month. With the sky-rocketing prices of petrol and diesel, this saving is only likely to increase.

According to the Department for Transport’s Energy Saving Trust, in one study of company drivers, a telematics system identified a 50% difference in fuel economy being achieved in identical vehicles over similar journeys.

Much of the excess fuel use was down to driving style, including excessive speed and harsh acceleration. By improving fuel economy and reducing time spent idling, a business can reduce its emissions and costs.

ABAX telematics can examine data on driver behaviour. The service can highlight harsh acceleration, harsh braking and excessive acceleration and speeding. All incidents will occur in the

map and the company’s bad habits can be removed with the help of specific tips.

Whether you proactively search for such efficiencies to be a better citizen, or because of government legislation, better driving will help.

Better driving also prolongs the usage of vehicle tyres and is both an environmental and a financial incentive for any business. Research from AA fleet and DriveTech confirms that drivers who never braked harshly or only occasionally, incurred tyre costs averaging £172 per annum, whereas the costs of tyres for more persistent harsh braking was around £283 per annum, an increase of £111 or 73% in costs. Harsh acceleration and deceleration costs also directly impact tyre spend negatively.

Cost-savings The use of telematics can lead to cost-savings thanks to data-led insurance as well. The likes of partnerships between ABAX and insurer Zego allow fleets to insure their vehicles on a usage or fixed-rate basis, depending on the size of fleet. Driving behaviour can be monitored to inform premium prices at renewal. The result is that fleet businesses are provided more control over how their assets are managed, allowing an increase in business efficien-

TECHNOLOGY

Are robots the next step in home delivery?

F

leet managers, used to operating a range of diesel-powered vans and light trucks, have certainly had their world turned upside down over the last few years. The drive to reduce carbon emissions has led to electric van, cargo bikes and the possibility of drone-powered solutions. Could robot deliveries be the next step in home and office delivery?

Parcel firm DPD believes that robots could play an important role in last-mile delivery and the company is starting autonomous deliveries in two Milton Keynes neighbourhoods. The AI-powered autonomous robots are being used as part of a trial with delivery business Cartken, operating from DPD’s distribution depot in Knowlhill.

“

The use of telematics can lead to cost-savings thanks to data-led insurance

cy, reduced risks and 20% average saving on insurance premiums.

Smaller fleets can benefit from the likes of ABAX telematics technology, to make both environmental and financial savings. However, according to research from Sewells UK Van Fleet Market, 41% of van fleets greater than 25 vehicles and 53% of van fleets greater than 50, are using telematics. This compares to less than 10% for smaller fleets, leaving up to 90% missing out on the benefits.

Learning The robots are currently ‘learning’ the routes that they will use, which are based within the city’s traffic-free Redway network. They will access residential areas in Shenley Church End and Shenley Lodge. Cartken’s level 4 autonomy and navigation technology is already being used by Mitsubishi in Japan and by food delivery business GrubHub in the US. DPD customers will be notified of a robot delivery in advance and, once they have confirmed that they will be at home to receive the parcel, the robot will be dispatched. The customer can track the robot online and will be

notified once it arrives at their location. They will then be given a code to open the secure parcel compartment.

Once closed, the robot returns to base autonomously.

If the trial is successful, DPD intends to extend the service across Milton Keynes, in some cases removing vans from the road.

Important trial “This is a really important trial for us.

We want to understand the role that delivery robots could play in certain locations in the UK,” said Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO “They are a sustainable solution, and we genuinely want to find out if they could help us take vans off the road in future. The technology is proven and with the DPD branding, they look fantastic. The public’s response to our EV fleet has been amazing, so I am confident these smart robots will be embraced by customers as part of the way forward.

“Realistically, we aren’t going to be completely replacing our delivery drivers anytime soon and we wouldn’t want to. The service they provide is fantastic. But at DPD we’ve always led the way on innovation and investment in our network and this is the next logical step in terms of evolving delivery solutions and working towards our aim of being the UK’s most sustainable delivery company.”

Peace of mind In a landscape that requires businesses to navigate an increasing number of barriers and challenges that are outside of their control, telematics can offer visibility, traceability and peace of mind when it comes to finances and operations.

Whatever the size of the organisation, asset tracking and reporting needn’t be arduous for business managers. The right technology is a powerful tool in their toolkit and one which can give quick and easy access to vital data and provide insights into where improvements could be made. In turn that can translate to fleet optimisations and cost-savings, which in current times all organisations are searching for.

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 25

ROAD TO ZERO Expansion leads to e-LCV order Motor Parts Direct has ordered 40 e-Berlingo vans from Citroen, as part of a 260-van addition to its 850-strong van fleet. The company, one of the largest independent motor factors in the UK, has also specified 220 diesel Berlingo and Relay vans from the manufacturer.

“We had been looking at an EV van that had the range and the quick charge facility, as more large cities are introducing congestion and low emission charges,” said Kevin Blazey, marketing director at Motor Parts Direct.

“We had a few demo electric vans in on test before deciding to order the e-Berlingo vans. We ordered 40 EV vans and now have 40 sites with chargers. We found the range and the quick charge on the e-Berlingo vans ideal for our local service.”

First Hydrogen to trial vans

Barhale takes range extended vans through Europcar Civil engineering company Barhale has added four LEVC VN5 range-extended electric vans to its fleet. The LCVs, which are being provided by Europcar Mobility Group UK on long-term rental, have been wrapped in Barhale branding, with Chapter 8 safety livery on the rear. They feature Geotab telematics and SureCam camera systems.

“We are always keen to incorporate low and no emission vehicles into our fleet,” said fleet manager Nathan Phipps at Barhale.

“Working on a diverse range of projects, 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. Working with Europcar gives us the flexibility to select the right vehicles for each contract, including low and no emission models.”

26 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

Zero emission manufacturer and green hydrogen producer First Hydrogen, has developed two demonstrator hydrogen fuel cell powered vans, based on the MAN eTGE. The vans should offer a driving range of more than 500km. Working with the UK Aggregated Hydrogen Freight Consortium (AHFC), the two vans will enter trials with fleet operators across the UK early next year. Managed by Element Energy, AHFC is a partnership between Air Products, Anglo American, Hyundai, Toyota and BOC. Ten fleet companies, in telecoms, deliveries, utilities and infrastructure industries, have expressed interest in the trials, using the vehicles in real-world settings. Along with supermarkets, an ambulance fleet, a breakdown organisation and a fleet leasing group, they will put the vans to the test across multiple locations, including London, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Sheffield.

“Our proposal has received quite

a response,” said Steve Gill, CEO of First Hydrogen Automotive. “We are excited to work with Element Energy and to bring our technology directly to fleet companies, demonstrating the benefits of fuel cell powered light commercial vehicles.”

Reynolds opts for electric future Chilled food supplier Reynolds has taken the first of a planned 24 full electric trucks into its fleet. The 7.5-tonne Isuzu chassis has been adapted to electric drive by Magtec, with a temperature-controlled body provided by Paneltex. Joining a 212-strong fleet of vans and trucks, the electric vehicle replaces a diesel model on a multi-drop route around Bristol and Bath.

The company claims that the truck will save around 550kg of CO2 per week versus the previous model.

DAF tractor unit. The Isuzu chassis has been provided by rental and leasing specialist Fraikin, on a five-year, full-service contract agreement. The truck will work six days a week, covering 90-100 miles a day. The seven-hour overnight charge has so far cut weekly fuel costs by more than 50%.

“Improving the sustainability of our fleet by making the shift to electric has been a long-term plan for the business, but we needed a partner capable of supporting us on that journey,” said Steve White, head of national fleet at Reynolds.

“Fraikin met all the criteria we were looking for. They are ahead of the curve Improving the sustainability of when it comes to alternative-fuelled our fleet by making the shift to options. We believe electric to be the fuelectric has been a long-term plan ture, so we have invested in the charging infrastructure required to support Over the next three years the com- our plans. We’ve factored in the relepany is planning to add a further 23 vant costs involved and we know that electric commercial vehicles to its fleet, the fuel savings will deliver a return from 4.5-tonne vans, to a 37-tonne on that investment over time.”

“

Bidfood electrifies London deliveries Food wholesaler Bidfood has finally put its first electric truck on the roads of London. The company took delivery of its first Fuso eCanter in 2020, but plans to put it to work were halted by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. The 7.5-tonne truck, which is the first eCanter to be equipped with a temperature-controlled body, will run from Bidfood’s depot in Battersea, delivering throughout central London.

The truck uses a Gray & Adams body, cooled by a Frigoblock eutectic refrigeration system. This cools the insulated, twin-compartment body while the eCanter’s traction batteries are being charged, rather than draining them of energy while in use.

“Like all transport operators working in London, we face the reality of emissions-based restrictions,” said depot manager Jon Stansfield.

“These are only going to get stricter, with similar regimes becoming more widespread throughout the country.

We were keen to trial an electric truck and get a true picture of how it would fit our requirements. Battery technol-

ogy is still in its infancy and obviously an electric vehicle cannot compete with a diesel-engined truck in terms of range, especially when fitted with a heavy fridge body. The eCanter has other attributes though. Given its environmental credentials, the eCanter

“

Like all transport operators working in London, we face the reality of emissions-based restrictions. has the potential to make an important contribution to Bidfood’s overall sustainability strategy.”

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 27

CAR-BASED CARRIER

Toyota believes there is still a market for a car-derived light commercial, says Dan Gilkes

T

here was a time when plenty of manufacturers offered a car-derived van in their LCV line-up. Ford’s Fiesta Van was probably the most successful, while Vauxhall’s Astravan remained popular well after the company stopped production.

Clios, Puntos and Corsas all offered a car-based van model, while further back, the Escort van will be fondly remembered by many.

Now Toyota has decided that there is a market for another light commercial based on a car. It has chosen to build that van using the Corolla Touring Sports, offering the UK’s first petrol hybrid CDV. Powertrain The Corolla uses the firm’s proven 1.8-litre petrol hybrid driveline, already seen in the Prius and plenty of other Toyota models. This combines an Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor/generator, powered by a lithium-ion battery, to drive the front wheels.

The combination delivers 120hp, which should be enough for most users. The engine 28 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

only manages 142Nm of torque, but the 53kW electric motor adds a further 163Nm to that figure, which is of course available from zero rpm.

Unlike a full battery electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid, the Toyota is a self-charging hybrid. This means that there is no option to plug in to a charging point to boost the battery level.

The hybrid drive has a CVT transmission, offering P, R,N, D and a B setting, which brings into play additional brake regeneration. This is partly how the battery is recharged, although the engine also contributes, when not being asked to propel the van.

The Corolla always pulls away on electricity only, with the engine joining in as speeds increase. When reversing the van just uses electric power. The result of this technology, is a promised WLTP fuel figure of 55.6-61.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 105-115g/km.

Load carrying capacity With the rear seats removed, the Commercial has had a flat load floor installed with a steel

mesh bulkhead to protect occupants. There is no storage below the front of the load floor, as that is where the traction batteries sit. However, lift the back section of the floor and the spare wheel well reveals little more than a repair kit, with plenty of space for less used items, or things like laptops that you would like to remain out of sight.

The rear side windows are blacked out, to allow the reclaiming of VAT, but you can still use the rear side doors to access the load area.

Talking of which, you get up to 1.3m3 of load volume in the back of the Corolla, though it looks like more when the rear door is opened.

The payload is set at a fairly conservative 425kg, but it is doubtful that many buyers are going to want to load the Corolla to the roof.

In the cab There is only one trim level on offer initially, called Icon. Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of specification in the car-like cab, including an 8” multimedia display that can handle Apple and Android integration. You’ll need the smart-

ROAD TEST | TOYOTA COROLLA COMMERCIAL

phone for satellite navigation duties. The display also provides a monitor for the reversing camera.

There are automatic lights and heated electric wing mirrors, while the driver and passenger get heated seating as part of the standard trim. The van also gets adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning and a host of ADAS systems, all under the Toyota Safety Sense umbrella.

In short, the cab is a comfortable place to spend the day, with a comprehensive equipment level that should suit all users.

On the road Toyota might call the estate car body a Touring Sports, but there is nothing much that is sporting about the van. Not that that presents a problem, it is a van after all and more than up to the job in hand.

The van rides on modest wheels and tyres and the suspension seems to be set-up more for comfort than any sporting pretensions. The fact that buyers won’t be expected to throw a tonne of payload in the back, means that Toyota has been able to maintain the ride quality, rather than having to fit suspension capa-

Toyota Corolla Commercial Basic price £22,590 CVOTR Engine 1.8-litre hybrid drive Power 120hp @ 5,200rpm Torque 142Nm @ 13,600rpm + 163Nm from EV WEIGHTS (KG) GVW 1,835 Kerb weight 1,210 Payload 425 Towing 750 DIMENSIONS (mm) Load space length 1,855 Load space width 1,430 Width between wheelarches 952 Load space height 1,155 Load volume 1.3 COST CONSIDERATIONS Mpg (WLTP) 55.6-61.4 CO2 105-115g/100km Fuel tank 43 litres Service interval 1 year/10,000 miles Warranty 3 years/60,000 miles (10 years/100,000 miles Relax warranty)

ble of handling a massive weight differential.

The hybrid system has three driving modes; Power, Normal and Eco. Normal seems to offer more than enough get up and go, but no doubt the Power setting would come in handy on hillier terrain. As expected, Eco does cut overall performance, but should result in improved

fuel consumption if used around town.

Conclusion Other manufacturers dropped the car-derived van as smaller dedicated commercials like Ford’s Transit Courier took over. However, Toyota could well be onto something here, as the Corolla Commercial offers a car-like driving experience, a non-LCV presence outside a driver’s house and more than enough internal space for local service engineers or a construction site engineer.

Toyota also has form in this area, as it also produces the Land Cruiser Commercial, following much the same recipe of removed rear seats and blacked-out rear windows. Add in the fact that the Corolla offers a petrol hybrid driveline, with so many companies looking to get away from diesel and there could be plenty of interest in such a van.

To find out how the Corolla Commercial copes longer term, we’ll be running this van for the next few months, to see if it can deliver the claimed mpg and whether it really offers something different for the compact van market?

Van User Rating : 4.5

AUGUST 2022 • VANUSER 29

LONG-TERM ROAD TEST

FINAL REPORT

Renault Trafic Sport+

W

e’re moving house and the Trafic has been pressed into service over the last couple of weeks for a number of light haulage tasks. No, we’re not considering using the mid-weight Renault as a full-on removals van, with an internal load volume of 5.8m3 in short wheelbase form it’s not quite up to that task. It has however been a regular visitor at our local recycling site, as we desperately try to get rid of the accumulated junk that really doesn’t need to move with us, again.

Of course, some of our possessions are not quite at the throwaway stage yet, so the Trafic has become a welcome caller at various charity shops in town.

It has also been pressed into service as material mover, sales stand and sun shelter at my first ever car boot sale.

Despite requiring our attendance at a rather unreasonable 6.30am on a Sunday morning, the Trafic was more than capable of carrying everything from unwanted furniture, to a whole wardrobe of non-fitting clothing.

At 1,387mm, the internal height of the van was not sufficient to carry assembled clothing rails. However, there are plenty of useful holes in the structure of the body, on which to hook tiedown straps and bungees, to create an effective clothing rack across the van’s width.

Higher roof You can have the Trafic with a high roof of course, in both L1 and L2 formats. The higher roof offers an internal height of 30 VANUSER • AUGUST 2022

able long-distance van, with admirable fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.

In Sport+ trim it is unsurprisingly well equipped, though even the lower specification models get essentials like the LED headlights that make such a difference later in the year.

“

It is an extremely comfortable long-distance van, with admirable fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.

1,898mm, which is almost enough to stand up in comfortably. The only downside of the higher roof is that it is limited to Business and Business+ trim levels, opt for Sport or our Sport+ and you can only have the lower roof height.

You can order the higher payload in all four trims though, at least in some models. While our Sport+ Trafic has a gross weight of 2,800kg, you can have the same L1H1 van with a gross weight of 2,900kg or 3,010kg. That rises to 3,070kg in the L2H1 model. For the taller vans, the L2H1 tops out at 2,900kg, while the L2H2 has a maximum gross weight of 3,010kg. If you have specific carrying needs in mind, it is worth asking the question of your dealer, as not all Trafic vans are created equal when it comes to carrying ability.

With the Trafic heading back to Renault this month, the mid-weight van will be missed. As mentioned in previous reports, it is an extremely comfort-

Competitor It is interesting to note that the van has a new competitor in the mid-weight market this month, though one that is built in the same factory, as Renault Trucks takes on the mid-weight to run alongside its Master Red Edition models (see pg 10). While the truck manufacturer’s dealers will be concentrating more on conversions than panel vans, they have every right to be excited about the Trafic’s arrival.

contacts directory REFRIGERATION

VAN AUCTIONS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

THE VEHICLE COMPLIANCE SYSTEM FOR ALL FLEETS

01282 937083 www.checkedsafe.com info@checkedsafe.com

vanuser

Essential reading for LCV operators – online and in print

vanuser AUGUST 2022

www.vanu

SAFETY STEPS

THE MAGAZINE

Subscribing is FREE.

DRIVER WELFA TECHNOLOGY SUSTAI NABILI

To make sure of your regular copy, and to receive weekly news updates, go to: vanuser.co.uk/ subscribe

FUEL CARDS

S

COMPL IANCE MAINT ENANC

SIM PL IFY IN G FL EE T MA NAGE ME NT DAILY CHECK

VW AMA ROK

s er.co .uk

OPERATOR

RE TELEM ATICS

TY

FOR LCV FLEET

| RENAULT TRU

CKS TRA FIC

E

S

| ROA D TO ZERO

To advertise your business within the vanuser contacts directory, contact Dan on 01502 725858.

CONVERTING VANS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

PROFESSIONAL VAN RACKING AND STORAGE SYSTEMS 360⁰ Van conversion Bespoke or standard layouts Flat pack to full conversion Crash tested racking Family owned business 5 year warranty*

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

*when fitted by our factory trained technicians

BESPOKE OR STANDARD RACKING

LIGHTWEIGHT AND ROBUST

IN-HOUSE DESIGN PROCESS

VAN RACKING SYSTEM

FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

FACTORY TRAINED INSTALLERS

CRASH TESTED RACKING

SWAP OUT SERVICE

FIND OUT HOW ALLSWAGE CAN HELP YOU 0121 553 5048 Allswage UK. Roebuck Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands. B70 6RB. www.allswagevanracking.co.uk