Classic Fine Foods has accelerated its electric vehicle rollout with 15 new Mercedes-Benz eSprinters.

The 3.5-tonne refrigerated vans directly replace older diesel models in a 50-strong commercial fleet, unlocking immediate emissions and fuel cost savings.

The vehicles have been supplied by Fraikin as part of a five-year contract hire deal. The mobility solutions expert was chosen following a competitive tender process thanks to its consultancy expertise and electric vehicle knowledge.

Richard White, transport manager at Classic Fine Foods, said: “Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration across our business, and these new electric vehicles represent a significant step forward in our fleet decarbonisation journey.

“From the outset, we quickly saw that Fraikin would take the time to fully understand the challenge associated with transitioning away from the diesel vans in our operation. That collaborative approach made them the standout choice for this contract.”

Fraikin’s fleet audit service proved instrumental in securing the agreement, with the team thoroughly reviewing Classic Fine Foods’ operational requirements to identify opportunities to refine its new vehicle specification.

The previous solution used a foam mattress bulkhead and fan kit arrangement, which caused issues with cold air distribution into the vehicle’s second compartment, damaging products in the process. As a result, Fraikin recommended installing a fixed rear evaporator, enabling independent zonal temperature control.

Similar attention was paid to the customer’s charging requirements, with Fraikin advising Classic Fine Foods to upgrade 10 of its new vans to support 22kW charging capability, rather than 11kW, reducing charging times and improving operational flexibility.

Fraikin’s support has encouraged Classic Fine Foods to also acquire two additional 12-tonne DAF XB diesel rigids on a similar contract hire package, again equipped with multi-temperature refrigeration units. These vehicles’ temperature-controlled systems leverage the vehicle’s powertrain rather than an additional diesel engine, further reducing Classic Fine Foods’ fuel usage while increasing payload.

The vans have been supplied with all servicing, repairs, road fund licensing, regular safety inspections, annual MOT testing, tyre management, roadside assistance and 24/7, 365 customer support.

The agreement also includes Fraikin’s full suite of Mysmartfleet connected technologies, which provides real-time data and analysis on metrics such as distance travelled, fuel or charge efficiency, and driver behaviour. It also features AI-powered driver- and forward-facing cameras along with AI fault code analysis functionality.

Utilising the company’s maintenance portal, FraikinView, Classic Fine Foods can also access accurate predictive maintenance scheduling, with the ability to monitor and track all work as it’s carried out.

The vehicles will be supported by Fraikin’s nationwide maintenance network, backed by IMI Level 3 EV-trained mobile technicians operating from fully equipped service vans. With additional expertise in temperature-controlled systems, the team can deliver rapid on-site and roadside support for both the vehicles and the refrigeration units, minimising disruption while enhancing fleet reliability and compliance.

Steve Williams, business development manager at Fraikin, said: “This contract demonstrates the strength of our consultative approach and our ability to tailor solutions around each customer’s unique requirements. We are proud to support Classic Fine Foods as it continues to invest in a more sustainable fleet and look forward to helping the business achieve its growth ambitions in the years ahead.”