CitySprint expands EV fleet with 40 new electric vans

Distribution company CitySprint has announced the expansion of their electric vehicle (EV) fleet with the acquisition of 40 new electric vans from vehicle manufacturer Maxus.

The new electric vans, which have a range of up to 213 miles on a full battery, will add to CitySprint’s expanding green fleet to offer customers a range of sustainable delivery options.

They have been strategically deployed across the UK with the aim of helping to reduce pollution levels in key cities in which CitySprint operates, including London, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester, Southampton and Birmingham. With the expansion of Low and Ultra-Low Emission Zones in cities across the UK, the electric vans will be a valuable addition to CitySprint’s existing fleet and will play a part in ensuring the business continues to offer its customers a seamless and premium sustainable experience year-round.

Mark Footman, Chief Operating Officer at CitySprint commented: “At CitySprint, we have always acknowledged that, due to the nature of our work, we — and the logistics industry as a whole — have an important role to play in lowering emissions. For us, doing the right thing for the environment, the communities in which we work and for the people who live, work and play in these communities is vital. That’s why we are constantly looking for ways to further strengthen our existing green fleet across the UK.

“Our new electric vans will help us to reduce our environmental impact in the cities in which we operate and is a step in the right direction for us to achieve our aim of having a fleet of over 200 green vehicles across the major cities we work in the next 2 years.”

As a result of this acquisition, CitySprint’s electric vehicle fleet now comprises of 43 electric vans, 24 cargo bikes, six electric motorbikes and

Effective ZEV mandate needed to drive EV transition

The government must not delay on enforcing an effective zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate to maintain momentum in EV sales, a report from New AutoMotive has found.

Despite the exponential growth of EVs, more than four in five of all new car registrations in 2022 were petrol or diesel vehicles – which will be polluting British roads for years to come.

The report finds that it is essential the government continues to support the switch to electric through ambitious public policy.

An effective ZEV mandate which drives new EV sales – rather than simply a backstop – is crucial. The details of the mandate are being finalised this year and should be introduced in early 2024.

Ben Nelmes, CEO at New AutoMotive, said: “2022 was a historic year for the transition to greener, cleaner transport in the UK. Electric cars provided the only growth in sales in the UK car market, as more and more motorists made the switch to access the running-cost savings EVs offer.”

“The final consultations for the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate are due to take place imminently. These discussions are of critical importance, as the final form of the mandate will be crucial to delivering a timely and equitable transition to electric vehicles that benefits all motorists, as well as UK business.”

“The UK government must not delay the implementation of the mandate or water down targets – doing so will only delay motorists’ access to the running cost savings that come from switching to an electric car. An ambitious mandate would ensure the supply of EVs – both vans and cars - to the UK, reducing waiting times and reducing upfront costs, and thus driving the country’s EV transition to new heights.”

“Any watering down of targets would simply reward manufacturers that are failing to electrify, and slow down the pace of the transition. In 2023, the government must drive forward and capitalise on the significant momentum the transition has built up. Neither complacency nor vested interests can not be allowed to slow down the journey to electrified transport.”

READ MORE four electric bicycles, with the business continuing to explore ways to further grow this in the year ahead. This news follows the announcement last year that CitySprint has achieved carbon neutral status – 18 months ahead of schedule.

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ELECTRIC VANS

Maxus announces 2023 scrappage scheme

Commercial vehicle manufacturer MAXUS has launched its 2023 scrappage programme, offering drivers the opportunity to switch to electric and save up to £14,000 on a new zero-emission MAXUS vehicle, plus a free home or workplace charger.

Drivers can trade-in a registered vehicle at any MAXUS dealership around the UK for money off a brand-new fully-electric MAXUS vehicle, including the e DELIVER 9 and e DELIVER 3 LCV vans, or its newest additions, the T90EV pickup and MIFA 9 MPV, which launched last year.

The scheme is available from the 27th January until the 31st of August 2023, providing drivers with an opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle while making a considerable saving on standard retail prices.

Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS said: “MAXUS recognises that it has a key role to play in accelerating the switch to electric driving. Our new scrappage scheme has been created to encourage the transition to zero emission transport, helping drivers make the switch while simultaneously removing older and higher emission vehicles from our roads. There has never been a better time to pick up a MAXUS electric vehicle, this scrappage programme is an incredible opportunity to upgrade your transportation, make the move to electric and access the latest technology and battery technology available, which in the case of the MIFA 9 offers a range of up to 323 miles (NEDC) on a single charge.”

As part of this scrappage scheme, a free Indra or Easee chargepoint charger will be provided with every vehicle purchased, offering the convenience of a home or workplace charge so drivers can save time and money on powering their vehicle battery.

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