UK logistics specialist Whistl has begun the rollout of electric vehicles within its fleet following a strategic review of its future transportation needs. The company is transitioning its van fleet to electric power and will also rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across its current 22 sites.
Whistl will initially deploy Maxus eDeliver 9 electric vehicles, with four covering customers in the Bristol area and five at its Parcelhub brand. The necessary charging infrastructure is being developed in partnership with EO Charging following a comprehensive review of the marketplace.
In addition to the van fleet, Whistl is actively encouraging employees with a company car to choose a fully electric or hybrid option and has installed charging options at its Head Office in Marlow, UK, and across its estate. The company expects the infrastructure rollout to be complete this year.
As new electric vehicles come into the market, Whistl will assess their suitability to replace current internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet vehicles. It recently announced its fleet renewal, including Peugeot Boxer 435 Vans which are on leases that enable Whistl to swap them with electric-powered replacements when they become available.
Alistair Cochrane, Whistl CEO, said, “I am pleased that we can begin rolling out electric vehicles in Bristol and for our Parcelhub brand. We want to transition our fleet as quickly as possible to non-ICE and are actively trying to find ways to overcome the size and weight restraints of current electric vehicles versus our operational requirements.
“It’s great that we will see our new Whistl and Parcelhub electric vehicles on the streets making a contribution to lowering our overall emissions and improving the quality of the environment in the areas.”
