Driving electric with DPD: the transformative power of electric delivery vans

07 September 2020

Transport produced 28% of UK CO2 emissions in 2018, making the sector the largest contributor to the climate crisis. In response, Oxford is working to accelerate the transition to clean transport. A range of measures are being introduced, including a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) and Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO), which is installing a public superhub where drivers can quickly charge their electric vehicles (EVs) on the move.

Transitioning to electric is essential in order to create a safe, sustainable future. But what does that mean for delivery van drivers?

Svetlana Karova is a DPD delivery driver who has been driving a Nissan e-NV200 electric van since she joined DPD in early 2019. For Svetlana, driving electric offers savings on cost, carbon and convenience. She leases her van from DPD, avoiding the upfront cost of buying an electric van, and has benefitted from avoiding charges associated with driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Similar schemes are due to be rolled out across UK cities, including Oxford’s planned ZEZ, which means going electric will prove essential for city centre delivery drivers.

Svetlana has the option to charge at home, at the depot, or at charging stations on the go. She covers around 50 miles a shift—well within the van’s range of 140–160 miles per charge—and usually charges her van at home overnight through a charging point subsidised by a government grant of £350 and by DPD, who pay £150–£400 of the additional cost of installation.

“Electricity costs far less than petrol and diesel and thanks to the new 40kWh battery, you can go further than ever on a single charge and make savings every day.”

A key challenge for delivery drivers with longer routes has been a lack of rapid charging stations, which are essential for charging during the day. ESO is providing the charging infrastructure needed to massively scale EV capacity in Oxford. A public superhub at Redbridge Park and Ride will allow electric delivery drivers from DPD’s Bicester depot access to Oxford, and will make it as easy for delivery drivers to recharge their electric van as refuelling a petrol or diesel van.

Drivers benefitting from the ESO charging network can be assured they are accelerating Oxford’s journey to zero carbon, as electric driving means lower CO2 emissions and improved air quality in the local community. For Svetlana, the environmental benefits of choosing to drive electric were key. As a parent, she worries about the impact that breathing polluted air created by fuel vehicles will have on her daughter’s health and future. The customers have noticed the difference too, and Svetlana is well-known in her local area for her green, noise-free, emission-free electric van.

“The customers are happy that I am using zero emissions vehicle to deliver their parcels.”

Svetlana and DPD’s electric fleet already deliver 1 million parcels per month using electric vans. They have peace of mind that they are using a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and convenient delivery van. With ESO’s rapid increase in infrastructure for EV charging in Oxford, it’s easier than ever for delivery drivers to drive electric and contribute to a low carbon economy.

Energy Superhub Oxford is installing 100+ charge points across the city, including a 50 charge point public superhub at Redbridge Park & Ride.


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