Royal Mail Accelerates Green Mission with 1,800 New Electric Vans
So here's some exciting and genuinely impressive news—Royal Mail is taking another bold step toward a greener, more sustainable future. They've just announced plans to add 1,800 more electric vans to their delivery fleet. This comes right on the heels of a major milestone: the deployment of their 7,000th electric vehicle, which just went live at the South Lambeth Delivery Office in London.
This isn't just a symbolic gesture—it's a powerful indication that Royal Mail is not slowing down in its race toward net-zero emissions. The announcement was made in the presence of Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, who highlighted the importance of this milestone as part of the UK's broader decarbonisation strategy. And get this—almost half of these new vans will be built right here in the UK at Stellantis’s Ellesmere Port plant. That’s not just good for the planet, it's also a win for local manufacturing.
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Royal Mail has been steadily electrifying its fleet since it rolled out its first 100 electric vans back in December 2017. Fast forward to today, and nearly a quarter of all Royal Mail delivery offices are now using electric vehicles for their daily rounds. Every single one of these EVs is powered by 100% renewable electricity, charged directly on-site. This shows real commitment—not just greenwashing.
And it’s not just about small vans either. Royal Mail is currently testing its very first electric trucks—19-tonne heavyweights—in partnership with Magtec. This pilot is backed by an £800,000 grant facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, together with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK. It's about building a truly zero-emissions future for deliveries of all sizes.
In addition to their electric fleet, Royal Mail has started using hydrotreated vegetable oil—an eco-friendly diesel alternative that cuts emissions by up to 90%—for many of their larger HGVs. All of this forms part of their ambitious ‘Steps to Zero’ strategy, aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. They've already slashed their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18% over the last four years, with a goal to hit 50% reduction by 2030.
Alistair Cochrane, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, summed it up perfectly when he said Royal Mail is “going the extra mile to decarbonise its fleet.” And that’s not just corporate speak—there are clear benefits here for employees, customers, and the planet. It’s no surprise they were named Environmental Fleet of the Year at the Fleet News Awards.
At a time when the world desperately needs large-scale climate action, Royal Mail is delivering—quite literally—a message of hope and responsibility.
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