Parcel delivery service provider DPD has become the first UK customer of the fully-electric eVito from Mercedes-Benz Vans. DPD has commissioned 10 of the long-bodied versions of the mid-sized model, which offer significant carrying capacity and range.
The new vans will operate in London, where DPD commenced operations from its first, fully-electric final mile delivery center in late 2018. DPD is planning a further eight all-electric micro depots in the capital, as well as commencing a nationwide roll-out of its EV fleet as soon as possible.
“We envisage a major role for the Mercedes-Benz eVito in towns and cities nationwide,” confirmed Dave Winchcombe, head of transport at DPD UK. “It is larger than other currently available electric vans, and is therefore better suited to DPD’s business model, yet still offers the environmental compatibility which is essential to our strategy.”
The eVito is fully recharged in six hours and has a range of approximately 93 miles – this is supplemented by recuperative energy technology, but will be reduced by constant driving with a full load. The long-bodied variant offers up to 6.0m3 of cargo area, and a payload allowance of 1,043kg.
Prior to delivery, the 10 vans underwent conversion by Manchester-based specialist Handsfree Group, which installs DPD’s own communications systems and fits additional security measures.
Winchcombe added, “We’ll now be delivering a program of product-specific driver training with support from Mercedes-Benz, and will also be focusing on our route profiles to ensure we extract the maximum operational benefit from these important new vehicles.”