Organic fruit and vegetable supplier Riverford has welcomed 10 new Vauxhall Vivaro-e electric vans to its fleet and plans to go fully electric by 2025.
The Devon-based business is using the vans to make deliveries in and around its first fully-electric hub in Bristol.
It aims to turn 100% of its national fleet electric by the end of 2025, with its new Vivaro-e vans estimated to help save more than 68 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Jason Holt, Riverford’s head of logistics, said: “We chose Bristol as the site of our first fully-electric delivery hub because of its green reputation and commitment to climate change.
“We know customers there will be thrilled that their veg boxes will now be delivered emission-free, and we’re looking forward to expanding our electric van fleet across the country.
“Electric vehicles are an absolute no-brainer for all delivery businesses, especially Riverford where we pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious.”
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e was named the 2021 International Van of the Year and is available with 50kWh or 75kWh battery configurations. Capable of up to 205 miles from a single charge under WLTP testing, the Vivaro-e supports up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80% charge taking 30 minutes for 50kWh models and 45 minutes for 75kWh variants
Richard Hughes, light commercial vehicle director at Vauxhall, said: “Riverford is another fantastic British business embracing electric vans and working towards a more sustainable future. The Vivaro-e is the ideal choice for fleets looking to reduce not only their environmental impact but also their operating costs, all without compromising capability.”
The Vivaro-e comes with a 6.6 cubic metre maximum load volume and a 1,226kg maximum payload capacity, and is capable of towing up to one tonne.
It comes after British Gas signed a deal for a further 2,000 Vivaro-e electric vans from Vauxhall.
The fleet agreed to an initial order of 1,000 electric vans last summer. All 3,000 electric vehicles will be on the road by 2022.
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