Topspeed Couriers is accelerating towards a future of electric transport by investing heavily in battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eVito vans.

The Cheshire-based company has already added 22 eVito models to its fleet, and has six more on order from Dealer Northside Truck & Van, for delivery in the autumn.

Ultimately, though, the operator’s plan is to switch its entire 130-strong fleet to electric vehicles as soon as practically possible.

Managing Director Gillian Lockley and Chief Executive Stephen Clegg see the move as an opportunity, not an obligation – but they believe that successful implementation of their plan depends on very careful preparation.

“People say that running an electric fleet is difficult but we just don’t accept that,” said Mr Clegg. “It’s like any change in a production process – you have to do your research, consider all the implications, put a proper plan in place and then manage the transition carefully.

“That’s the way we’ve done it, and we think this gives us a competitive edge. As well as differentiating our business against many of our competitors, early adoption means we’ll be well established as an electric vehicle operator, and have a far better understanding of how to run an electric fleet successfully than those who come late to the party.”

Setting the electrification plan in action involved just more than just deciding to buy some battery-powered vehicles, revealed Ms Lockley.

“We put a lot of thought into the bigger picture of running electric vehicles, and how they would fit into our business,” she said. “That meant looking closely at route scheduling, driver training and a strategy for recharging.

“The drivers assigned to these new vehicles have been given specialist instruction in how to use them for maximum efficiency. They work from home which means they can’t rely on the charging points at our Winsford headquarters – so they all know where the available fast chargers are, near their homes or on their delivery routes

She continued: “Stopping to charge also forces them to take a break, and they all say that driving the eVito is very relaxing with its smooth and instant power delivery, near-silent running and no gearchanges to worry about. When we first told them we were buying electric vans some were apprehensive, but they were quickly won over and now they love their new vehicles.”

Topspeed took its first two eVito vans last year, as a trial, but quickly saw the benefits of going electric and placed orders for more. The second batch of 14 vans was followed by eight more, and a further six are due to arrive in September.

They have joined an all Mercedes-Benz fleet that also includes diesel-powered Citan, Sprinter and Vito models. Some are refrigerated or specially converted to carry specific cargoes. Topspeed Couriers offers same-day and next-day delivery of all classes of dangerous goods including explosive, infectious and radioactive material, forensic exhibits and legal documents. All drivers are employed and undergo intensive training and comprehensive security checks. The company also runs its own workshop and has trained its technicians to safely service and maintain electric vans.

“The eVito is not the cheapest van on the road but we’re happy to pay for the class-leading reliability, build quality and back-up cover it offers,” said Ms Lockley. “The three-year, unlimited mileage warranty is very attractive and the free roadside assistance – from a uniformed and factory-trained Mercedes-Benz technician – is excellent.

“We buy our vehicles outright and plan to write off the cost over four years, but in reality Mercedes-Benz vans last much longer. In our experience they’ll easily go for six or seven years, at up to 100,000 miles per year, without any trouble. We believe we’ve bought the best electric vans available, and also put in the effort and investment to allow us to provide our customers with the best service possible.”