DPD plans to convert 10% of fleet to electric by 2021

DPD has commissioned 10 of the 3.2-tonne long-bodied versions of the van, which has zero tailpipe emissions.

The vans will enter service in London, where DPD has three all-electric depots in Westminster, Shoreditch and Hyde Park. The eVito is also set to play a part in a nationwide roll-out of DPD's EV fleet later this year.

The Mercedes-Benz eVito employs an electric motor which channels its 116 hp output to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Fully recharged in six hours, it gives the eVito a range of approximately 93 miles. 

Last month, DPD said it was working with Oxford-based start-up Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited (EAV), to develop an eCargo bike call the P1.   

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO said: “The EV revolution is gathering pace and I'm delighted that DPD is leading the way. We’ve got a fantastic EV fleet already with some incredibly innovative vehicles, but the eVito is a great addition for us. With the eSprinter due later in the year, we will be building on our very successful and long-term relationship with Mercedes-Benz.  

“It is an exciting time. The all-electric micro-depots have exceeded our expectations and we'll soon have eight such sites in London. We've got plans to add over 100 more EVs to our fleet in 2019 as we begin our roll-out across the UK. We will double that in 2020, and double it again in 2021 to over 550 electric vehicles.  Effectively, we're already in a position to grow as fast as the manufacturers can supply the vehicles, so the more UK vehicles that are available, the faster the roll-out will be.”