BT Group has put into service the first electric vans in a 3,500-plus order that will create the largest electric commercial fleet in the UK.
The initial batch, sourced through Holman, includes hundreds of Toyota Proace Electric and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric vans, as well as Vauxhall Combo Electrics designated for the Openreach fleet.
Further Ford, Stellantis, Toyota and Renault electric vans will be deployed over the next two years, expanding BT Group’s EV fleet to about 8,000 vehicles.
Most of the vans will run on a seven-year fleet lifecycle and Holman will also monitor and control their servicing, maintenance and repair.
In addition, Holman has put a handover programme in place at designated locations to provide engineers with familiarisation training on electric van usage.
Nimesh Chauhan, Holman’s customer success director, said, “It’s been our task to ensure that when these vans start work, everything is in place for them to succeed and for drivers to have everything they need so there is no drop-off in operational capability.
“BT Group’s footprint is vast, covering the breadth of the UK, which is why we’re working at grassroots level with vehicle users in every corner of the country to make sure that we continue to innovate, and meet their ever-changing needs.
“The exciting thing is we are only at the start of the journey, providing ever better support to the drivers and working to decarbonise and electrify the fleet over the next few years.”
Nick Caller, Holman managing director said, “Our team has been instrumental through the procurement and wider supply chain activity, helping to appoint the right suppliers and providing products best suited for BT’s operational needs.
“These new vehicles coming on to fleet only further reinforce BT’s commitment to become net zero.”
