Speedy decarbonises fleet with 150 new electric vans

Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has invested £8.25 million in 150 new electric vans, which is expected to cut up to 1,280 tonnes of CO2e per year from its commercial fleet emissions.
 
The investment forms part of the firm’s target for more than half of its 1,100 strong commercial fleet to be electric or hybrid by 2025, and a fully low-carbon fleet by 2030.
 
The initiative is a major step in Speedy’s roadmap to becoming a net-zero business, and aims to help contractors reduce their supply chain emissions through zero-carbon equipment delivery, while protecting the environment in the communities the hire provider operates in.
 
Speedy has ordered 100 4.25 tonne single chassis cab Ford E-Transit models and 50 3.5 tonne E-Transit vans, which will be distributed across its UK-wide network to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) within the fleet. The carbon saving made by the switch is equivalent to that absorbed by 7,700 trees per year*.
 
Chris Dempsey, Managing Director – Operational Support at Speedy, said: “Transforming our fleet with low and zero carbon models is crucial to leading the hire industry’s journey towards decarbonisation and aligns with our strategy of de-carbonising our property network and expanding our low-emission ECO tools and equipment range.
 
“Our strategy supports our customer’s sustainability objectives as they strive to deliver projects with minimal environmental impact, of which site deliveries play a vital role. This significant investment in new electric vehicles demonstrates our commitment in helping our customers achieve these aims.”
 
Adam Harkin, Ford of Britain & Ireland head of national fleet accounts, said: “Ford has been Speedy’s preferred vehicle supplier over many years, and we are delighted to continue that partnership as the company accelerates its move to a zero carbon future and transitions to electric alternatives for its fleet.  As Speedy invests in electric vehicles, Ford looks forward to working together to find further opportunities to maximise the productivity and sustainability of its delivery fleet through our integrated Ford Pro solutions.”
 
The Ford E-Transit trial vehicle will be in operation at Speedy in July, with the 150 strong fleet coming on stream from October.
 
The van investment follows Speedy overhauling its company car list, with 100% of models available to colleagues now being ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV). Four in five of its company cars will be ULEVs by the end of the year based on its current orders. Since the summer last year, Speedy have also fuelled its HGVs and tankers with low carbon hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to reduce emissions.
 
The hire provider became the first company to introduce a fully electric powered access delivery truck into its fleet in December last year. It’s also rolling out electric vehicle charging points across its 200-strong network of service centres for colleague and customer use.
 
Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers.