BAE Systems has taken delivery of two new electric vans on contract hire from Fraikin, supporting the ongoing decarbonisation of its commercial vehicle fleet.

The new eSprinters are the first EVs to be deployed at BAE’s Broad Oak manufacturing plant in Portsmouth

The new 3.5-tonne Mercedes eSprinters are the first electric vehicles to be deployed at BAE’s Broad Oak manufacturing plant in Portsmouth, replacing diesel-powered assets previously provided by Fraikin.

The vans are being supplied on a four-year, full-service contract hire agreement and Fraikin is also providing EV infrastructure support, assisting with the installation of two dedicated charging points.

Jon Penny, BAE Systems’ Broad Oak site lead, remarked: “By working with Fraikin to switch our site vehicles to electric and installing charging points, we’re working toward reducing our environmental impact and making progress on our road to sustainability and our company ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.”

Fraikin was able to provide the two vehicles in rapid time, with both being delivered just two months after BAE Systems placed the order. One van will be dedicated to carrying a mixture of goods for BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, while the second will be made available for general use by Broad Oak’s on-site staff. BAE Systems expects each new asset to cover approximately 8,000 miles annually.

Both vans feature a 55kWh battery pack, giving a driving range of up to 109 miles, which is an ideal fit for BAE’s daily operational needs at Broad Oak. The site was selected as a base for the new vehicles due to its ongoing push to improve operational sustainability, including achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Based upon the success of these electric vans, BAE is also looking to specify additional assets in the future.