Hermes has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles with the largest ever initial order of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the UK, and is also the first parcel carrier to order a fleet of HGV tractor units running on 100% renewable bio methane.
Hermes is also introducing 32-strong fleet of 100% electric vans to service the Central London area inside the low emission zone. The electric fleet will be housed at Gemini Park in Beckton, which will serve more than 100 delivery rounds inside the low emission zone. Hermes delivers on average 6,500 parcels per day in the UK capital, rising to 11,000 per day during peak.
The CNG for 30 new Iveco HGV tractor units will be supplied by CNG Fuels, the only UK supplier of Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation-approved bio methane. Each of these vehicles is expected to reduce the Hermes fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% compared with a comparable diesel vehicle, resulting in a reduction of 4,500 tons of CO₂ across the 30 CNG vehicle fleet per year.
The tractor units were introduced following a six-month trial and will be based at the Hermes Super hub in Rugby, which is near to the CNG refueling station. Hermes is working toward reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2020.
Martijn de Lange, CEO of Hermes UK, said, “We’re proud of our strides forward in sustainability as we become the first parcel carrier to invest in biofuels for our fleet. This, plus the additional investment in our electric vehicles, will not only support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals, but also ultimately benefit people across the UK as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint.
“As a parcel carrier delivering within Central London, we are committed to helping improve air quality in the capital and supporting London on its path to a zero-emission future, so we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Transport for London.”