Menzies Distribution is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy with a 12-month trial of a pre-production, all-electric Ford Transit van.
One of a very small number in the UK at present, the vehicle offers a load cube that mirrors its diesel counterpart and has been identified by the group as suitable for news trade, express and parcel operations.
Menzies will test the van 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.
The Ford E-Transit being tested is the L3 H3 425 GVM model, featuring a 68kWh battery and 135 KW (184PS) motor. Its estimated range is up to 154 to 183 miles.
Menzies presently has around 90 charging locations in its network, making it one of the UK’s largest commercial EV charging infrastructures.
Adam Purshall, fleet and procurement director at Menzies Distribution, 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.”
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