Masters pave way for all-electric delivery fleet ‘Innovative’ security solutions for LEVC’s VN5

The Renault Master E-Tech has been chosen by a leading European distributor of workplace products and services to spearhead the transition of its UK business to an all-electric delivery fleet.

Lyreco, which has a presence in 25 countries in Europe and Asia, has introduced 17 all-electric Renault Master E-Tech panel vans to its London operation, which will work out of its Greenford, Tottenham and Dartford depots.

The arrival of the panel vans is the culmination of a two-year search by Lyreco to find a solution that matched its proposition for an electrified London delivery fleet. Any solution had to offer not only optimum environmental compatibility, but also the capability to complete an extensive multi-drop route without any impact on efficiency or service.

Lyreco matched the Master E-Tech to its detailed requirements based on the van’s combination of payload, value, comfort and usability. While its London-based vans will not cover a great deal of miles completing delivery routes, they will carry a significant amount of customer orders.

With an average order weighing circa 40kg, it was essential for Lyreco that its choice of electric van had a payload of over 1,000kg. The Master E-Tech in Lyreco’s chosen long wheelbase and medium wheelbase formats have a payload of 1,300kg and 1,381kg respectively, which even after adding floor and side cladding comfortably exceeds Lyreco’s payload requirements. The Master E-Tech provides the business with a range of up to 75 miles on a single charge (WLTP).

An additional benefit is the increase in driver comfort, the fully automatic transmission, near silent operation and instant torque of the Master E-Tech ensuring a more relaxing drive for Lyreco’s operatives when negotiating typical London traffic. In addition to fuel savings, Lyreco also gains financially from the vans being exempt from the Congestion Charge.

Lyreco will charge its new vans via 7kW charge points that it has recently installed across its London distribution depots. With an 80% charge being achievable in only 4.5 hours, it’s straightforward for Lyreco to keep its vans ‘topped-up’ between deliveries. To ensure its operatives also get the most enjoyment and convenience from its new Master E-Tech fleet, Lyreco has also invested in electric vehicle driver training.

Richard Taylor, head of operations – supply chain, Lyreco UK & Ireland, said: “The purchase of Master E-Tech vans sends a clear message to our cus-

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has agreed a new partnership with Locks 4 Vans (L4V) to provide its VN5 electric van with innovative security solutions. L4V specialises in designing and manufacturing security solutions for commercial vehicles, and has developed new hook locks, slamlocks and bespoke shielding for the VN5.

Based in Kent, L4V is recognised as an industry leader in aftermarket security solutions for commercial vehicles, manufacturing and installing cutting-edge products. With a recent £2.5m investment in a new research and development facility, L4V is committed to producing game-changing solutions for the VN5. tomers, our colleagues and the wider public, of our green credentials and commitment to sustainability. It means that where range and payload permits, our deliveries in London will be made by 100% electric vehicles that will not contribute to air and noise pollution.”

A new, free online video safety course aimed at van operators has been launched by fleet software specialist FleetCheck. The 28-Day Fleet Confidence Challenge takes the form of four weekly episodes and is aimed at people whose fleet responsibility is only part of their role, and who may not understand the full extent of their risk management responsibilities.

The course has been developed with the support of Simon Turner, campaign manager for the National Highways Driving for Better Business programme, and is open to 25 delegates every month. It will run for at least six months.

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched a new guide designed to help fleet managers handle the demands of Clean Air Zones (CAZ).

A product of the organisation’s Future Roads Committee, “Clean Air Zones and Your Fleet” is designed to take a different angle compared to other CAZ guides for fleets.

Debbie Floyde, chair of the committee, explained: “There are quite a few similar documents now available across the fleet sector from a variety of credible sources but they are mostly geared to explaining what CAZs are and how they work. Our new guide is much more of a practical proposition, designed for fleet operators who are likely to have to operate vehicles in these areas, about how to manage their requirements."