Logistics specialist Universal Courier Logistical Services (UCLS) has expanded its fleet with 33 Renault Trucks E-Tech Master panel vans in a multimillion-pound investment.

The mammoth electric van order supports a major new zero-emission home delivery contract across the North of England, significantly advancing UCLS’s sustainability strategy.

Operating 700 ‘final mile’ routes daily, UCLS will deploy the new E-Tech Masters in Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, where the retail contract stipulates the use of zero-emission vehicles.

Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer Allports Group, the new L3 H2 panel vans bring the company’s electric fleet to 48 vehicles, with the ambition to electrify more than half of its 600-strong fleet by 2030.

Ricky Sharma, managing director at UCLS, said: “We want to be ahead of the market. We’re brave, we’re learning, and we’re always exploring more opportunities for electric vehicles. This investment is just the beginning of our decarbonisation journey.”

The latest-generation Renault Trucks E-Tech Master is powered by an 87kWh battery, delivering a WLTP range of over 285 miles and rapid charging from 15-80% in some 30 minutes.

The new vans will be charged overnight at UCLS depots and operate in two-person delivery teams, with Sharma predicting that the vehicles should be able to perform a full shift on a single charge, without the need for top-ups.

Outlining the logistics firm’s current success with introducing EVs into its fleet, Sharma said: “We are planning routes to optimise the new electric vehicles’ capabilities. We’ve been able to maintain our own high standards and aspirations but also fulfil all our customers’ objectives which is a testament to the ambition, resilience and forward-thinking approach of our team.”

The significant order for new Renault Trucks vans was brokered by Allports Group following a Product Experience event at Renault Trucks in France.

Sharma experienced Renault Trucks’ EV range first-hand, including the new E-Tech Master’s payloads of up to 1,541kg and 13.2m3 loading capacity, comfortably accommodating a Euro pallet through the side door.

Sharma added: “We need about 1.1 tonnes of payload, and up to 230 miles on a single charge. The new version of the E-Tech Master can do just that.”

Graeme Wilson, group sales director at Allports Group, commented: “For light commercial vehicles such as Renault Trucks E-Tech Master, operators no longer have to compromise between payload, efficiency and range – it delivers across all three in spades. We’re delighted to support UCLS on their decarbonisation journey, providing vehicles and consultancy to ensure they have the right solution for their operations.”