Marks & Spencer Modec Electric Van
Bearing the slogan “This vehicle has switched to electric”, Marks and Spencer’s first Modec electric van is a clear statement of its intention to ‘green up’ its (considerable) transport operations.
The electric van, which has a range of 70 miles and a maximum speed of 50mph, will be used for urban deliveries in London. In addition to its near-silent, zero-emission operation, it offers a number of other benefits:
- No road tax
- No tachograph requirement
- No MOT
- No congestion charge
The Modec went into operation in December 2008 and should single-handedly reduce M&S’ CO2 emissions by around nine tonnes per year. It forms part of the company’s Plan A climate change plan, which aims to make its operations greener. The overall goal is for the company’s UK and Irish operations to become carbon-neutral by 2012 – an ambitious but impressive target.
I imagine another element of the plan may be the increased use of teardrop-shaped, streamlined double-decker lorry trailers. Replacing the old box-shaped double deckers, these are reckoned to reduce fuel consumption by several percentage points.
This isn’t M&S’s first use of electric vans. The following press release occurred 2 February 2007:
Under the agreement, Tanfield’s trading division, Smith Electric Vehicles, will sell its Newton zero emission vehicles to Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer will deploy these Newton vehicles in various city centre logistics operations, with a view to Smith vehicles replacing Marks & Spencer’s urban diesel fleet where pertinent.
Ian Mumby, Head of Food Logistics and Supply Chain, Marks & Spencer, said: “We are delighted to be one of the first major companies in the UK to explore the opportunities zero emission vehicles bring.
“The Newton electric vehicle is not only environmentally friendly but cost-effective and its quietness makes it perfect for deliveries in residential areas.
Indeed not, but it is M&S’s first Modec electric van!
Regards,
Roland
i am writing a thesis about using electric vans vs diesel for urban delivery.
need a lot of data to compare its lifetime cost vs diesel and constratints.
would like to get more info please help.
saj
Hi Saj,
I’m afraid I can’t help with any specific facts and figures as I am not directly involved in the industry. However, good luck with your project – concrete information about the lifetime cost benefits/disadvantages of electric vehicles is certainly needed to help fleets justify future purchase plans.
Regards, Roland