Royal Mail has deployed its 6,000th electric vehicle, bolstering the company’s position as one of the largest electric delivery fleets in the UK.

Royal Mail’s 6,000th zero-emission vehicle has joined the fleet at the Manchester Mail Centre

Kitted out with the company’s iconic red livery, the 6,000th zero-emission vehicle has joined the fleet at the Manchester Mail Centre, adding to 15 others already used at the site for deliveries and collections.

The latest milestone follows the arrival of Royal Mail’s first 100 EVs in December 2017, which were deployed in delivery offices across the UK. Now, more than 240 Royal Mail offices across the country run EVs, with charging carried out onsite across Royal Mail’s estate via a purchased 100% renewable electricity supply.

Royal Mail announced in July 2024 that it was boosting its EV fleet with more than 2,100 Peugeot electric vans over the next year, spurring plans to go net zero by 2024.

When all the vehicles are in use, its total emissions will be reduced by around 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Royal Mail has also introduced hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to fuel many of its heavy goods vehicles. A renewable alternative to diesel, HVO produces up to 90% less direct carbon emissions compared to diesel.

The company has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% in four years, with a target to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030.

Alistair Cochrane, Royal Mail’s chief operating officer, said: “It’s so exciting to hit this major milestone just as we enter 2025. Electric vehicles are an essential part of our plan to be net zero by 2040 and offer so many benefits for both our staff and customers.

“Our zero-emission vehicles make our deliveries greener, reducing noise and air pollution in local communities.”