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Everything You Need to Know About Royal Mail’s Electric Fleet
Reading time 4 minutes
Categories Automotive Industry » Fleet Vehicles »
More and more drivers across the world are making the transition to electric vehicles. And here in the UK, it isn’t just individual motorists who are making the change – it’s businesses too.
Royal Mail is arguably one of the country’s most iconic public services and was founded by King Henry VIII more than 500 years ago. Initially, the institution was created to provide the monarch with his mail and correspondence, but the organisation’s remit was extended to the public in 1635. And in 2021, the firm announced it was moving with the times by launching its first electric van fleet.
Now, this fleet has continued to grow as Royal Mail demonstrates its dedication to its social and environmental responsibilities.
In this article, The Windscreen Company will take a closer look at everything you need to know about Royal Mail’s electric fleet.
Royal Mail’s bright red vans have become an instantly recognisable British symbol since they were first introduced over 120 years ago, but it’s fair to say they’ve changed a bit since then.
Prior to 1897, horse and cart was the predominant way to deliver mail, but this all changed with the introduction of the motorised engine.
In 1904, the company purchased a second-hand traction engine and it wasn’t long until the organisation’s first motor vehicle entered service.
The company’s fleet continued to evolve over the decades, with vans matching the style and technology of the time. For example, in 1957 Royal Mail purchased around 6,000 Morris J Type vans to carry out its postal duties.
In the 1980s, Royal Mail opted to switch to diesel for its smaller vans, typically using Ford Escorts as its vehicle of choice.
Nowadays, the organisation uses a whole host of manufacturers for its fleet, including Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot and more.
In 2021, Royal Mail’s first electric vehicles were unveiled.
Read on to find out more…
Like many people and companies in the UK, Royal Mail has recently made the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in order to minimise its environmental impact.
While the firm already used some EVs, this move was far more significant than anything that had come before, and in 2021 3,000 electric vans were introduced to the organisation’s fleet – a ten-times increase.
Shortly after this announcement, the Bristol East Central Delivery Office became the first Royal Mail headquarters to feature fully electric vehicles.
The change has clearly had an impact, with Royal Mail registering the lowest CO2 emissions per parcel among all of the UK’s major deliverers.
Earlier this year, another milestone was celebrated as the Royal Mail’s 4,000th electric van made its way onto Britain’s roads.
Undoubtedly the biggest benefit of electric vehicles, such as vans, is the limited impact they have on the environment when compared to fuel alternatives.
Unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, electric vehicles do not emit carbon emissions, which are harmful to the world around us. When you operate as many vehicles as Royal Mail does, it’s easy to see how much of a difference this change could make.
Another advantage of businesses switching to electric vans is that organisations can make the most of government grants, tax relief and other financial benefits.
Every business should consider the advantages it could achieve by switching to EVs ahead of the 2030 shift.
The Windscreen Company work across the West Midlands and the South East, to find out more about what we do get in touch with our team today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
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