Medequip trials electric vehicles in a bid to transform CES delivery in the UK
At its Rochester depot, Medequip is trialling its first electric vehicles as it looks to deliver its Medway community equipment services (CES) contract in and around Rochester, Gillingham, Chatham and the Hoo Peninsula.
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is the first electric delivery van on the Medequip fleet. The major CES provider says this trial could signal a total change in how it completes the delivery of community equipment across the UK.
Medequip states it is committed to using power from sustainable sources across its operations, so moving the fleet away from fossil fuels is an important consideration.
A significant number of vehicles on the car fleet are plug in hybrids, the CES provider adds, and many contracts already require Medequip to take on technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, so these trials have a vital role to play.
Peter Gaunt, Fleet Manager for Medequip, explained: “With so many UK cities and towns considering or already implementing Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges, it’s important that we plan for the future to ensure Medequip contributes to cleaner air targets, particularly for city use.
“We have been looking at both all electric and hybrid options, but from an operational point of view we need battery ranges to improve before all electric is truly viable for us. In the meantime, PHEVs offer a practical option for us to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiencies.”
With many depots located in city centres and covering urban routes, Medequip says this is a key operational issue.
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV runs an advanced hybrid system featuring the Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre petrol engine as a range extender.
The Medequip team says it will be monitoring performance closely to see how the PHEV fares over the next few months. If the trials prove satisfactory, Medequip has confirmed that PHEVS will be the way forward, with plans to move to all electric as battery technology continues to develop.
In December, the provider was appointed to manage Community Equipment and Continence Services for Wiltshire for a further five years, following a competitive tender process.
