One of Scotland’s leading distribution firms has expanded the reach of its last-mile electric delivery fleet in the Scottish Highlands.

The MAN eTGE e-van fully electric vehicle joins nine others providing last-mile deliveries in Inverness and Elgin

M&H Carriers has introduced a MAN eTGE e-van to the fleet operating from its Fort William satellite depot. The vehicle joins nine others providing last-mile deliveries in Inverness and Elgin.

The firm introduced electric vehicles to its fleet in the Highlands in 2021 – said to be a first in the sector – and has now spread these vehicles across three sites to provide further geographic EV coverage.

Managing director Fraser MacLean said: “The response to our electric vans has been fantastic, and we’re delighted to be expanding the area in which we can provide clean, green deliveries to our customers.

“The health and wellbeing of the communities we live and work in is of paramount importance to us as a business and this is a very real commitment to improving the level of service we offer.”

Each MAN eTGE e-van offers a range of up to 80 miles per charge, enabling their use for M&H Carriers’ daily deliveries, while helping it to contribute to a greener, healthier future.

“Operationally, the electric vans have exceeded our expectations and – as range and technology improves – we are fully committed to EVs becoming a much bigger part of our operation,” MacLean added.

Based on the firm’s experiences of last-mile electrification in the north of Scotland, MacLean as invited to speak at last year’s global environmental conference COP26 on sustainability and carbon footprint reduction for SMEs.

He added: “Across the distribution and logistics sector, there are real conversations that need to happen about climate change and the role fleets play in it. While the technology isn’t there yet for full fleet electrification, there are very real steps we can take to reduce our impact on the environment – especially as the public’s reliance on online shopping and home deliveries increases.

“Many will cite initial outlay or infrastructure as a barrier to electrification, however we have proved that it is possible to introduce EVs in some of the remotest parts of the UK. And we’re looking at how we can expand this into more of our urban delivery areas, too.

“So, really, there’s no excuse for other businesses not to follow suit.”

A spokesman for EVA Scotland said: “This is a perfect example of a company stepping up to the plate, helping Scotland make the transition to all-electric transportation.

“As we head towards net zero, it is essential that businesses such as this show a lead which will encourage even more to make the switch to EVs in the commercial world.”