Royal Mail has signed an agreement with PEUGEOT) to purchase 100 zero-emission Partner L2 Electric vans, to be used by postmen and women on their delivery rounds. The vans will go into service from December 2017 at delivery offices around the UK, supported by a comprehensive rollout of charging infrastructure.
The Partner L2 Electric was launched in February and this is the first major fleet order for the van.
Its lithium-ion battery pack is fitted under the load floor, ensuring there is no loss of load space compared with petrol and diesel-powered Partner L2 models. The Partner L2 Electric will carry a gross payload of 552kg.
Power comes from a compact and highly efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 49kW (67hp) at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 200Nm. The front wheels are driven through a speed reducer and single ratio gearbox.
The Partner Electric’s 22.5kWh high-capacity lithium-ion batteries offer a range of up to 106 miles, measured on the NEDC cycle. The batteries can be re-charged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes from a dedicated rapid charge point. The drive motor also provides regenerative braking when slowing down, helping to re-charge the batteries and reduce brake wear.
Partner Electric customers are eligible for the Plug in Van Grant (PiVG) from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) towards the cost of buying the vehicle. The PiVG covers 20 per cent of the cost of the vehicle including VAT but excluding on-the-road costs.
Partner Electric drivers in London would be eligible for the Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED), which provides a 100 per cent discount from the London Congestion Charge, an exemption worth up to £2,989 per year. London boroughs such as Hackney also offer a 100 per cent discount on parking permits for electric vehicles, resulting in substantial savings each year. In running electric vehicles, all drivers benefit from reduced running costs vs a conventional petrol or diesel car. Lower running costs and lower service maintenance and repair costs add to the financial incentives available, which means that electric motoring can bring about significant savings when considering the total cost of ownership, rather the upfront purchase cost only.
