BAE Systems has taken delivery of two new electric vans, part of the defence contractor’s plan to decarbonise its commercial vehicle fleet.
Supplied on a four-year, full-service contract hire agreement with Fraikin, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3.5-tonners are the first EVs to be deployed at BAE’s Broad Oak manufacturing plant in Portsmouth, replacing diesel-powered vehicles.
As part of the deal, Fraikin has also provided EV infrastructure support, assisting with the installation of two dedicated charging points.
BAE Systems’ new vans feature a 55kWh battery pack and can be recharged to 80% capacity via an 80kW DC charger in 30 minutes.
Their driving range of up to 109 miles is an ideal fit for BAE’s daily operational needs at Broad Oak, with the vehicles mainly working in and around the Portsmouth area.
One electric van will be dedicated to carrying a variety of goods for BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, while the second will be made available for general use by Broad Oak’s on-site staff.
BAE Systems expects each one to cover about 8,000 miles per year.
Jon Penny, BAE Systems’ Broad Oak Site Lead, said, “By working with Fraikin to switch our site vehicles to electric and installing charging points we’re working toward reducing our environmental impact and making progress on our road to sustainability and our company ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2030.”
John Cooper, Business Development Manager at Fraikin, said: “With close to a decade working together, Fraikin has built a solid understanding of BAE Systems’ business needs and priorities, especially when it comes to the company’s sustainability goals and how these can be met through the very best vehicle choice.”
