Citroën UK has signed a three-year partnership with Big Issue Group (BIG) to supply all-electric ë-Berlingo and ë-Dispatch vans for magazine distribution across the UK.
The 16 vans will join the BIG fleet in Bournemouth, Bristol, Bath, Norwich and Newcastle, with more vans to be added to the fleet over the next three years.
The Big Issue Group fleet transports more than two million magazines to 3,300 vendors in a year, covering over 350,000 miles annually across the UK.
One of its key aims is to make its delivery process more sustainable and to tackle its carbon emissions.
The Citroën ë-Berlingo Van comes with a 50kWh battery and a 136hp electric motor, and has a zero-emission range of up to 171 miles.
Meanwhile, ë-Dispatch offers up to 205 miles of range. Both Citroën electric vans support up to 100kW rapid (DC) charging, with a 0 to 80% charge taking 30 minutes.
Russell Blackman, Big Issue Group Managing Director of Commercial, said: “Citroën’s market-leading approach to innovation and affordability of electric vehicles is the exact reason why they are the ideal partner to work with Big Issue Group.
“Our partnership will allow us to make even greater strides in the support and services we provide for the most marginalised across the country.
“In cities and remote, rural locations, we will be able to respond quickly when our vendors need us the most.”
Eurig Druce, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Big Issue Group in their important work ‘changing lives through enterprise’, and in particular to support their transition to electric vehicles so they can become more sustainable.
