Menzies Distribution (Menzies) has begun a 12-month trial of a pre-production, all-electric Ford Transit van.
The Ford E-Transit being tested is the L3 H3 425 GVM model, featuring a 68kWh battery and 135KW (184ps) motor. Its estimated range is up to 154-183 miles (WLTP Motorway-Overall range). Ford Pro E-Telematics has been designed to help improve driver performance with in-vehicle coaching, while new auto stop-start technology reduces wear on brakes. The vehicle offers a loadcube that mirrors its diesel counterpart and has been identified by the group as suitable for newstrade, express and parcel operations. Menzies presently has around 90 charging locations in its network.
Menzies will test the E-Transit and its existing charging infrastructure, reconciling manufacturer statistics with its own on-the-road assessment. The test will engage both the Menzies Newstrade and Express operations, providing varied routes, mixed terrain, different speeds and, at times, vast mileage ranges, all of which have a bearing on battery life. Data obtained from the test will inform blueprints for all Menzies sites and their EV resources.
‘Fleet’ is one of the three main pillars within the Menzies Distribution Sustainability pledge, alongside ‘energy consumption’ and ‘reuse and recycling’ for the business and its partners. In 2022, Menzies announced plans to become net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by no later than 2035.
Adam Purshall, fleet and procurement director at Menzies, said, “We are excited to have this opportunity to push the E-Transit and our infrastructure as hard as we can to fully understand the limitations of both and work with the manufacturer to deliver the future of EV technology. The transport department is ready to embrace this trial with open arms, and the buy-in of drivers and staff is key to its success.”
