Lyreco has chosen the Renault Master E-Tech to start transitioning vehicles operated by its UK business to an all-electric delivery fleet.

It has introduced 17 all-electric Renault Master E-Tech panel vans to its London operation, which will work out of its Greenford, Tottenham and Dartford distribution depots. They are the first electrified light commercial vehicles that the multinational company has used in the UK.

Lyreco says it has spent the past two years finding a solution that matched its proposition for an electrified London delivery fleet.

It chose the Master E-Tech based on the van’s combination of payload, value, comfort and usability.

While its London-based vans will not cover a great deal of miles completing delivery routes, they will carry a significant amount of customer orders, it says.

With an average order weighing circa 40kg, it was essential for Lyreco that its choice of electric van had a payload of more than 1,000kg.

The Master E-Tech in Lyreco’s chosen long wheelbase and medium wheelbase formats have a payload of 1,300kg and 1,381kg, respectively, which after adding floor and side cladding still exceeds Lyreco’s payload requirements.

The Master E-Tech provides the business with a range of up to 75 miles on a single charge (WLTP).

Lyreco is no stranger to the French brand, with 75% of its 250-strong nationwide delivery fleet rated at 3.5t produced by Renault, having worked with the manufacturer’s vehicles for more than 10 years.

Richard Taylor, head of operations supply chain for Lyreco UK & Ireland, said: “The purchase of Master E-Tech vans sends a clear message to our customers, our colleagues and the wider public, of our green credentials and commitment to sustainability.

“It means that where range and payload permits, our deliveries in London will be made by 100% electric vehicles that will not contribute to air and noise pollution.”

In 2019, Lyreco signed up to the Clean Van Commitment, which is a public commitment for fleets to switch to zero tailpipe emission vans in cities by 2028, and the new Master E-Tech vans will provide valuable insight into how Lyreco can transfer its learnings into the other UK territories in which it operates, it says.  

Taylor explained: “Electric vans are currently the leading sustainable solution for our future operations and while the technology has been available for a couple of years, introducing any into our fleet before now would have been detrimental to our customer experience – the range and payload were simply not there.

“Making the transition to EVs had to work in every aspect and the Master E-Tech now ticks all the boxes.”

Lyreco has added a sustainable, environmentally friendly wrap to highlight the pure electric vans, which have been supplied in Business specification, with standard features such as DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB, electric front windows, automatic headlights and wipers, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution, remote central locking, driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment and ZE Voice, which aids safety by emitting a range of sounds that signal the vehicle is moving.  

Charging of the electric vans will be via 7kW charge points that it has recently installed across its London distribution depots. With an 80% charge achievable in 4.5 hours, Lyreco says it will be straightforward to keep its vans ‘topped-up’ between deliveries.

Drivers will also undertake electric vehicle driver training.

The Master E-Tech order has been managed via ERA Fleet Cost Management, another long-term partner of the Lyreco fleet team, with the vehicles supplied by the fleet sales division of Renault Retail Group.

Vincent Tourette, managing director of Renault UK, said: “It’s very exciting to play an important role in helping such a renowned business start its journey to a fully electrified fleet and especially pleasing that the Master E-Tech has met the company’s strict criteria for its busy London multi-drop operation.

“With the effectiveness of Lyreco’s vehicles being pivotal to its success, it’s a fine illustration of how the Master E-Tech is an excellent and highly usable LCV, regardless of the fact that it is also 100 per cent electric.”

The Renault Master E-Tech is available in a variety of body styles and, dependent on the version, weights of 3.1T and 3.5T.

It offers a payload of up to 1,425kg in Panel Van format and can also be specified as a Chassis Cab or Platform Cab, these two versions forming the basis for several “tailor made” conversions – a Luton Low-Loader, Luton Box Van, Dropside and Tipper – that are available across the brand’s network of 150 dealerships.

With a 33kWh battery, it provides an all-electric range of up to 75 miles (WLTP). When powered by a 7kW wallbox, a full charge is capable in six hours. The Renault Master E-Tech is priced from £48,900 plus VAT after the plug-in van grant.