One of the UK’s largest fleet operators BT Openreach has cemented its commitment to electrification, placing a new order for nearly 300 electric vehicles (EVs) with Vauxhall.
This follows the UK Electric Fleets Coalition’s – of which Openreach is a founding member – call on government to bring forward the ban on internal combustion engine vehicles to 2030. The group, which was launched by the Climate Group, is hoping to demonstrate the appetite for ambitious EV policies.
Openreach’s new EV order of 270 fully electric Vivaro-e vans and 9 Corsa-e cars will help to cement the company’s commitment to EVs.
Clive Selley, Openreach CEO, said the company was “leading the charge on the transition to electric vehicles. Our order today is an important first step as we begin to move our fleet, the second largest commercial fleet in the UK, to being fully electric”.
Openreach has run versions of Vauxhall diesel vans as part of its 27,000 strong fleet over the past 15 years. The company’s Vivaro-e vehicle is its first factory-built, fully electric panel van and was released earlier in 2020. There are two battery options available, either a 50kW unit that has a 143 mile range, or a 75kW unit that has a 205 mile range.
The van supports 100kW rapid charging, with 80% charge taking 30 for the 50kW unit and 45 minutes for the larger model.
James Taylor, general sales director of Vauxhall, said: “Our electric vehicles help achieve significant cost savings from day one, and equally as important have no compromise in capability. Having one of the UK’s largest fleet operators choosing our electric vehicles shows just how confident they are in our product.
“We are very happy to continue our partnership with Openreach, transforming their nationwide fleet with our new electric vehicles.”