Royal Mail has launched a fleet of more than 100 micro electric vehicles (MEV), replacing 52 red vans and saving 242 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
The new fleet will be the largest MEV fleet in the UK, Royal Mail claims.
The 104 new MEVs will be launched in London, Bristol, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Solihull, Brighton and the Scilly Isles.
The fleet will reduce carbon emissions by 242 tonnes each year, contributing to air quality and ensuring more efficient delivery rounds. They are also easier to drive and park in busy streets.
Royal Mail added that as the MEVs can be plugged into a standard three-pin plug socket for charging and they can be used at any delivery office, including those previously ruled out due to limited yard space or electricity capacity.
Royal Mail is notably working towards a 2040 net-zero target. This spring, it unveiled its 7,000th electric vehicle, positioning it as having the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet.
It said it would invest in 1,800 more such vans and supporting charging infrastructure over the coming year.
Royal Mail’s delivery design manager for processes and equipment, Mark Riley, said: “Our new micro electric vehicles are a smart solution for delivering more sustainably and efficiently, especially in busy urban areas. By replacing larger vans with MEVs, we’re cutting emissions, improving air quality, and helping our posties deliver faster in time for the festive season.”
In anticipation for the surge in demand for its services around Black Friday and Christmas, Royal Mail is hiring for around 20,000 additional roles this winter – mainly temp jobs.
