UPS electric vans set for London trials

Delivery firm UPS has announced that they are going to be trialling electric vans in London, the trial will comprise of 35 vans from UK-based technology firm Arrival, with both London and Paris targeted for new van trials.

UPS Arrival electric vans

The new lightweight composite pilot electric vans from Arrival, deliver zero tailpipe emissions and are fitted with a number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which assist safety and reduce the fatigue of the driver. UPS have stated that these features in conjunction with an extremely advanced van display will give the driver a connected and intelligent new electric van. The new vans will have an electric battery range in excess of 150 miles.

An exciting partnership

Arrival CEO Denis Sverdlov spoke of his excitement of the partnership with UPS, highlighting the importance of zero emissions technologies:

"We're excited to collaborate with UPS to create an affordable, modular, fully electric delivery vehicle designed to make deliveries in our busy cities clean and quiet."He also spoke of the enhanced safety offered by the new electric van: "With its unique, wrap-around front window the driver has a much wider field of view that improves not only the safety of the driver but also that of cyclists and pedestrians."

International director of UPS, Luke Wake also commented on what he labelled a 'pioneering collaboration' between UPS and Arrival:

"UPS is working with Arrival here in the UK because their smart electric vehicles are helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. This is a pioneering collaboration that helps UPS develop new ways to reduce our emissions. UPS is marshalling its global scale to encourage innovation within the automotive industry. We are helping to drive demand for these disruptive technologies. The result is a safer and cleaner fleet for the communities in which we deliver."

Purpose-built electric vans

Arrival is the first new van manufacturer in Europe to deliver purpose-built electric delivery vehicles to the exact specifications of UPS. The collaboration was established in 2016 and since then, UPS and Arrival have been creating different sized new van prototypes. You can expect to see the first UPS Arrival electric vans on the roads of London before the end of 2018!

New charging technology

In March 2018 UPS made the announcement of the installation of a cutting-edge new charging technology at its depot in London than overcame the test of recharging an entire fleet of electric vans simultaneously , without the requirement for an upgrade to the power supply grid which could prove costly. UPS believe the new charging technology is a significant breakthrough representing the beginning of the end in terms of dependence on traditional combustion engine powered vans. The new charging facility now allows UPS to increase the number of electric vans operating from the central London site from the current limit of 65 to a staggering 170.

Electric vans on finance

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