Logistics specialist Universal Courier Logistical Services (UCLS) has expanded its fleet with 33 Renault Trucks E-Tech Master L3 H2 Panel Vans, supplied by Renault Trucks dealer Allports Group. The multimillion-pound investment supports a major new zero emission home delivery contract across the North of England, significantly advancing UCLS’s sustainability strategy.
Operating 700 “final mile” routes daily, UCLS will deploy the new E-Tech Masters in Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, where the retail contract stipulates the use of zero emission vehicles. The order brings the company’s electric fleet to 48 vehicles, with the ambition to electrify more than half of its 600-strong fleet by 2030.
Ricky Sharma, Managing Director at UCLS, said: “We want to be ahead of the market. We’re brave, we’re learning, and we’re always exploring more opportunities for electric vehicles. This investment is just the beginning of our decarbonisation journey.”
The latest generation Renault Trucks E-Tech Master is powered by an 87kW battery, delivering a WLTP range of over 285 miles and rapid charging from 15–80% in just 30 minutes. The new vans will be charged overnight at UCLS depots and operate in two-person delivery teams, with Ricky predicting that the vehicles should be able to perform a full shift on a single charge, without the need for top-ups.
Highlighting the logistics firm’s current success with introducing EVs into its fleet, Ricky said: “We are planning routes to optimise the new electric vehicles’ capabilities. We’ve been able to maintain our own high standards and aspirations but also fulfil all our customers’ objectives which is a testament to the ambition, resilience and forward-thinking approach of our team.”
The significant order for the 33 new Renault Trucks E-Tech vans was brokered by Allports Group following a Product Experience event at Renault Trucks in France. Ricky experienced Renault Trucks’ EV range first-hand and was impressed with the new E-Tech Master’s class-leading payloads of up to 1,541kg and 13.2m³ loading capacity, comfortably accommodating a Euro pallet through the side door.
Ricky added: “We need about 1.1 tonnes of payload, and up to 230 miles on a single charge. The new version of the E-Tech Master can do just that.”
Graeme Wilson, Group Sales Director at Allports Group commented: “For light commercial vehicles like the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master, operators no longer have to compromise between payload, efficiency and range – it delivers across all three in spades. We’re delighted to support UCLS on their decarbonisation journey, providing vehicles and consultancy to ensure they have the right solution for their operations.”
Aftersales support from the local dealer was also a key factor in vehicle selection, as Ricky noted: “We rely on our vehicles, so support and aftercare service is essential. I want and need a quality service from my vehicle provider, so that we can provide a quality service to our customers and that’s why we use Allports.”
Graeme concluded: “We’re thrilled to be helping a long-standing customer like UCLS on their net-zero journey. Choosing the right vehicle for the application, the payload and the routes is crucial to ensure that they can deliver excellent service. However, decarbonisation is fraught with questions for operators, which is why we support them with a complete consultancy package to set our clients up for success.”
Allports Group has worked with UCLS since the company’s founding six years ago and will continue to support UCLS on its decarbonisation journey.
