Edwin James takes delivery of electric vans from Fleet Alliance

Edwin James Group has taken delivery of its first electric vans from Fleet Alliance, as part of a pilot scheme that will eventually see between around 70 diesel vans a year being replaced with electric alternatives.

The Citroen e-Berlingos are part of a feasibility study to convert the whole light commercial fleet to electric power, and part of the Group’s ongoing ESG commitment to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 and Net Zero by 2030.

The Group operates a national fleet of 250 vehicles - 230 vans and 20 cars - from 16 offices and service centres throughout the UK, with a head office in Uddingston, Glasgow.

The transition to electric power has already begun and the company car fleet is now all-electric with a number of makers represented, including Tesla, Volkswagen, Skoda and Kia.

The new e-Berlingos are the first electric vans to join the fleet and are being put to the test by engineers as the Group assesses the requirements needed to electrify its entire van fleet.

Corporate services director, Mark Longley, said: “All our vans are fitted with trackers, courtesy of Fleet Alliance, so we know the mileages and the driving patterns that we carry out on a daily basis.

“What we are analysing now is when and where we can reliably make the switch to electric vans based on the available charging infrastructure and work patterns we perform.”

Fleet Alliance manages the Edwin James fleet on an outsourced basis, providing vehicle procurement and conversions, leasing solutions and accident management services.

Fleet Alliance CEO, Andy Bruce, said: “We are seeing growing numbers of our customers looking to go down an electric route in line with their Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) timetables.

“Some transitions are easier than others, while some need careful thought and detailed planning to make them happen.”

Allstar and Fastned team up to accelerate UK EV adoption  

Allstar has partnered with European charging company Fastned, to enable business drivers using the Allstar One Electric to use its network of chargers across the UK.   

The deal increases the number of fast charge points in Allstar’s network to more than 6,000 and takes the total number of charge points accessible through the Allstar UK network to more than 11,000 at 4,000-plus locations, of which 94% of chargers are fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid.  

Fastned has in excess of 265 stations across the UK and mainland Europe, with more than 1,300 charge points capable of adding up to 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes.

All of Fastned’s chargers are powered by solar and wind renewable energy, supported by solar panels installed on the canopies of its charging stations.  

Tom Rowlands Fleetcor managing director, global EV solutions, including Allstar, said: “We’re excited to partner with Fastned to expand our EV charging network. The company is a leading player in the European fast charging market, and their high-powered chargers will provide our drivers with even more convenient and reliable charging options across the UK.”  

Tom Hurst, UK country manager for Fastned, added: “Our mission is to give freedom to electric drivers and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility, which is why we’re delighted to partner with Allstar to give drivers in the UK even more choice when it comes to charging their vehicles.”    

The deal with Fastned follows Allstar’s recent partnerships with Evyve, Fuuse and InstaVolt, with more networks to follow.  

Radius reports massive increase in electric vehicle orders

Radius has announced that 80% of its car orders in Northern Ireland are for electric or hybrid vehicles, a huge increase from just 18% in 2019.

The growth, with a 50/50 split between electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) orders, shows a massive shift towards sustainable transportation.

Radius uses telematics data to assess which vehicles are ready to switch to EV based on a number of factors including mileage and idle journey points. 

The data is used to recommend a suitable EV vehicle to rent or lease, together with the charge point infrastructure which will best support these vehicles.

Paul McGuire, managing director Northern Ireland, Radius Vehicle Solutions , said: “It is great to see such an extraordinary acceleration in EV adoption in Northern Ireland.

“The fact that the majority of car orders are now for electric or hybrid vehicles clearly demonstrates the growing awareness surrounding sustainable business practices and the benefits of having EVs.

“By leasing a vehicle, businesses can make the transition to an electric fleet without the initial upfront investment, making it easier to switch.

“We are proud to play a vital role in this transition, empowering businesses to embrace traditional-fuel alternatives with our end-to-end EV solutions."

Paua users now able to access to Gridserve's charging network

A partnership between Gridserve and Paua will allow Paua users to find, charge and pay for charging on the Gridserve Electric Highway.

All of Gridserve's sites are 100% powered by renewables supporting Paua's ambition to ensure all EV charging on its network is 100% renewable.

Paua can be used on all Gridserve chargers, alongside contactless payment.

Sam Clarke, chief vehicle officer at Gridserve, said: “We are very excited to announce this new partnership to make it easier than ever for drivers to transition to EVs.

“This decade is crucial for climate action and it’s vital that we deliver the solutions that will move the needle on climate change.

“The widespread transition to electric vehicles, powered by sustainable energy, is a key part of what’s needed.

“We are committed to building an awesome UK-wide charging network, enabling anyone, anywhere, in any type of EV to take on any journey and have a great customer experience.” 

Niall Riddell, co-founder and CEO at Paua, added: "Gridserve's commitment to renewable energy aligns perfectly with our mission of driving the transition to a greener future.

“With their robust chargers and sustainable credentials, we can continue to provide our customers with a seamless and clean charging experience."

Barratt Developments and Pod Point spark nationwide EV charging rollout deal

Pod Point has partnered with Barratt Developments to deliver electric vehicle (EV) charging points to its customers.

Running for two years, the agreement will see Pod Point become a key supplier for Barratt, ensuring its new homes have charge points across its consumer brand portfolio - Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Barratt London.

The agreement covers 19 of the group’s 29 operating divisions across the UK, representing around two-thirds of its national footprint.  

The partnership builds on a number of previous deals Pod Point has had with the housebuilder since 2018. To date, Pod Point has installed EV home charging infrastructure in over 3,000 properties across the Barratt Group.

Steven Boyes, chief operating officer at Barratt Developments, said: “Through this partnership we are ensuring that customers at a range of our new sites around the country are future proofed, equipped with convenient and reliable charging facilities.”

Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, added: “Today, around 80% of all EV charging takes place at home and growing EV charging with Barratt’s is a hugely positive step in enabling customers to choose electric and help decarbonise the UK roads.”