08/04/2022
The roll out of low-emission zones across the UK is proving a challenge for many businesses, and in particular for fleet and logistics managers operating commercial vehicles.
The immediate question is how can van drivers enter Clean Air Zones without penalties that could impact on both productivity and the balance sheet?
One answer is rental – of low emission hybrids as well as the new generation of electric vans.
Unlike outright purchase or long-term lease agreements, rental doesn’t involve major capital expenditure. It also gives the option of ‘try before you buy’, so businesses can find out how and where electric vans can be used, without making a costly mistake.
In response to these challenges, we’re increasing the number of low and zero emission vans on our fleet and investing in vehicle charging points at our stations across the UK.
To help fleets prepare for an electric future, we’ve also launched a demo programme for the Mercedes-Benz eVito Van. This gives businesses and their drivers the ability to experience everything about zero-emission driving, without having to make a big financial commitment.
With access to an eVito van for a few days or weeks, companies can evaluate how and where all-electric commercial vehicles will fit into their fleet operations. And by testing an electric van in real-world conditions, they can also learn about adaptations they may need to make to their current ways of working.
We’re also giving businesses a longer term ‘try before you buy’ experience, with access to London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) hybrid electric VN5 vans on long-term rental. Crucially, the VN5 gives a compliant solution eliminating the need to factor in additional costs for entering Clean Air Zones.
