Absolutely has added electric cargo vehicles to its fleet for the first time, ahead of the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London in April 2019.

To discourage the use of the most polluting vehicles, drivers travelling within the zone and using non-compliant vehicles, will need to pay a daily ULEZ charge of £12.50, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These include:

• Motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than 12 years old in 2019).
• Petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than 13 years old in 2019).
• Diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (roughly the equivalent of not being more than four years old in 2019).
• Buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet or exceed the Euro VI standard or pay £100 a day.

Absolutely sees the introduction of the ULEZ as 'one of the most significant issues facing the courier industry'.

Along with the electric vans, Absolutely will introduce a new set of electric cargo bicycles which will facilitate deliveries within the congested City and West End areas and offer improved efficiency for its customers.

Absolutely’s managing director Jeremy Thompson said: “The new vehicles will help position us at the forefront of the courier industry and give our clients more environmentally focused options when utilising our courier services.

“We are mindful of the upcoming changes in legislation next year and the business is committed to finding sustainable and efficient solutions to moving items in and around London.”