Parcel delivery company DPD has opened the first in a series of all-electric depots as it pushes ahead with plans to move to a zero-emission fleet.

DPD’s all-electric depot in Westminster

Said to mark a first for the UK, the depot is located in the heart of Westminster, supported by a new electric charging system – which will enable the deployment of electric vehicles without major infrastructure upgrades – and three different types of electric vehicles.

Two all-electric Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter 7.5t vehicles will feed parcels into the depot each day, while the final-mile deliveries will be completed by Nissan eNV200 vans and micro-vehicles from Norwegian manufacturer Paxster.

The Paxsters are delivering to the immediate area around the depot and are expected to operate 60 stops on one charge per day while seven eNV200 all-electric vans capable of making 120 stops a day have also been deployed.

DPD has also announced plans for a further seven all-electric sites in the capital as it prepares for the launch of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in April 2019.

Dwain McDonald, CEO of DPD commented, “This is a hugely significant announcement for us with Westminster set to be the first of a series of all-electric DPD depots.

“Reducing and neutralising our carbon footprint; providing smarter and more efficient urban delivery solutions and driving innovation are at the heart of DPD’s DrivingChange programme. We want to be the leader in alternative fuel vehicles in the UK, with the ultimate aim being to move to a zero-emission fleet.

“There are still significant external issues to be overcome in terms of the infrastructure to support an all-electric fleet on the scale we need, across the whole of central London. But I’m delighted with our proposition here and we will continue to work with the key stakeholders to realise our aims and support the Mayor of London and TfL’s ambition for a cleaner and less congested capital.”