UCLS expands electric fleet with 33 Renault vans

Universal Courier Logistical Services (UCLS) has taken delivery of 33 Renault Trucks E-Tech Master L3 H2 panel vans, expanding its fleet and advancing its sustainability strategy.

The new E-Tech Masters will be put to work in Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds, operating 700 final mile routes daily.

It brings UCLS’ total electric fleet to 48 vehicles, with the ambition to electrify more than half of its 600-strong fleet by 2030.

The E-Tech Masters are powered by an 87kW battery and deliver a WLTP range of over 285 miles, with rapid charging from 15% to 80% in 30 minutes. The vans will be charged overnight at UCLS depots and operate in two-person delivery teams.

Ricky Sharma, Managing Director at UCLS 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.”

Stephanie Haszczyn, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “This news from UCLS is a positive example of how some routes can be optimised sufficiently to be well suited for electric vehicles. With more electric vans on the road, the industry is building a showcase of examples where these vehicles can succeed.”

The vans were supplied by Renault Trucks dealer Allports Group, which has been working with UCLS since its founding six years ago, and will continue to support its decarbonisation journey.