Vertellus electric commercial vehicle programme
Warwick, UK: Commercial vehicle contract hire company Vertellus has unveiled its EV Discovery Programme that supports electric vehicles in fleets. It has 30 electric vehicles from 16-18 tonnes including with fridge bodies ready-to-operate with a temporary charging solution, which can be installed on site at the vehicle base. Zenobe will be provide 60kW charging that includes software to manage charging.
It will also provide a 24/7 helpline and a performance guarantee. Nigel Baxter, managing director, Vertellus, said: “We understand that when it comes to switching to an EV contract hire fleet there is so much more for the business to think about than with a diesel vehicle, which is why we have designed the Discovery Programme to remove the complexity and hassle out of your energy transition, so operators can accelerate the process of reducing the carbon footprint of their fleets” “Introducing EVs across an entire fleet is likely to happen in stages, however, the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme solution identifies operations and sectors where this technology can work for businesses and provides operators with an opportunity to hire the electric vehicles, and therefore test the technology, in their own day-to-day environment.”
The Vertellus EV Discovery offer is a three-month programme based on usage, with customers contracting a minimum of 3,000 kWh per month – equivalent to circa 40,000km per annum
The Vertellus EV Discovery offer is a three-month programme based on usage, with customers contracting a minimum of 3,000 kWh per month – equivalent to circa 40,000km per annum.
Pricing for box and curtainsider vehicles is GBP1.50/kWh and for refrigerator vehicles it is GBP1.90/kWh, with this cost including all expected standard full contract hire services.
(Left to right) Carlos Rodrigues, managing director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland; Nigel Baxter, managing director, Vertellus; Nicholas Beatty, director, Zenobe
In addition to this, the cost includes the charging infrastructure meaning that customers only then pay their energy provider for the electricity they use. For customers with more demanding usage requirements, Vertellus, in partnership with Zenobe, can upgrade the charging infrastructure to a DC 120kW fast charging that includes a 160kWh battery storage, designed to allow double shifting of vehicles. Carlos Rodrigues, managing director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “Renault Trucks are delighted to be partnering with Vertellus to help deliver our ambition for a more sustainable future.
Our product offering is very strong and in partnership with Vertellus and Zenobe we are providing customers with a ready-to-use solution. “The Discovery Programme will help fleets throughout the UK achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions and we look forward to working with Vertellus and supporting companies in taking the necessary steps to adopting electric vehicles.” Nicholas Beatty, director, Zenobe, said, “We’re delighted to have been chosen to embark on this journey of decarbonisation alongside Vertellus.
The commercial vehicle industry faces several unique challenges and, from our work supporting the electrification of around 50 fleets globally, we understand operator concerns around fleet running costs and demand exceeding local power constraints – and that these factors can deter operators from making the switch”.
“However, with the correct power procurement strategy combined with the use of Zenobe’s smart charging software, these barriers can be overcome.
Through our partnership with Vertellus and the EV Discovery Programme we are committed to finding long-term solutions that are truly beneficial for the customer and the environment.”