Holman delivers first of 3,500 new electric vans to BT

Holman has delivered the first batch of new electric vans to BT Group as part of an order for 3,500 vehicles.

The first stage saw 750 vehicles handed over to BT. The complete order will be fulfilled in 2026.

The new models consisted of Toyota Proace Electrics and Vauxhall Vivaro Electrics, as well as Vauxhall Combo Electrics. 

A handover programme has been coordinated by Holman, with a number of designated locations to provide the engineers familiarisation training on electric van usage.  

BT already has around 4,300 EVs, supporting its target to become a net zero business by March 2031. 

The order will mean BT Group, which includes Openreach, will have one of the largest zero-emission fleets in the UK, with nearly 8,000 EVs, by the time the order is completed in 2026. 

Originally announced in January, it drew praise from Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood and is part of BT Group’s plan to become a net zero business by 2031. 

Holman's role is to support vehicle trials and tests, to specify and source the vehicles, manage the funding and oversee the delivery of them to engineers. 

Nick Caller, Holman’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to partner with BT Group on this further transition across to electric vehicles, as part of their wider sustainability agenda. 

“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.”   

With such a variety of vehicles needed, Holman has managed the funding of the vans, drawn from a panel of suppliers to ensure that pricing, specification, quality and costs are consistent. Holman will also oversee the defleeting of the existing ICE vans, preparing them for sale and managing remarketing channels.  

Most are planned to run on a seven-year fleet lifecycle. Holman will also monitor and control the service, maintenance and repair of the fleet to minimise downtime and cost. 

The further electrification of the fleet has also seen a transformation in approach, moving from one where a suitable driver was paired with an electric van to one where vans are now paired to roles: Holman was then tasked with helping to ensure the vans had the infrastructure and support to fulfil what is required of them. 

Holman’s Customer Success Director, Nimesh Chauhan said: “This change of approach speaks volumes about the confidence that electric vans can do the job when everything has been put in place. Many fleets take the ‘low-hanging fruit’ approach to electrification but this bold strategy flips that, demanding decarbonisation across the board.  

“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.” 

Holman’s partnership with BT Group, one of the largest fleet management deals in history, began on September 30, 2023. The company identified cost efficiencies of more than £1.8 million in the first 12 months. 

Holman worked to reduce spend on unnecessary repairs by focusing on the requirements to keep the fleet operational. Challenging high-cost repairs, or costs which are outside of industry standards, helps Holman to manage the customer’s spend. Working with the BT Group team to evaluate anticipated costs based on age and mileage profiles, Holman is also helping them to make decisions to move, terminate and replace vehicles accordingly.