Michelin has completed the first phase of its electric vehicle transition programme in the van fleet operated by its Services and Solutions division in the UK, after taking delivery of 17 Vauxhall Combo vans.
The vehicles, supplied on a four-year lease, are part of plans to move the division’s 54-strong fleet to electric by 2026.
These vans each have a high-energy density 50kWh 18-module battery that can charge from empty up to 80 per cent of maximum range in less than 30 minutes using a 100kW fast charger.
Batteries can also be fully charged at home in 7.5 hours using a home wallbox.
The company will also use its Michelin Connected Fleet tools to aid the switch to electric and monitor battery charging plus range data to support drivers.
Michelin Services and Solutions is also installing the same fleet management technologies it deploys for end-user fleets in the Vauxhall Combo Electric vans, including forward- and rear-facing cameras.
Alastair Cameron, National Operations Manager of Services and Solutions at Michelin, said drivers of the vans, which offer a range of up to 175 miles, will be “our ambassadors for the transition to EVs, encouraging colleagues to join the programme”, which will be expanded next year.
He added: “The introduction of electric vans is an important milestone for our division and aligns with Michelin’s whole environmental ethos as we constantly strive to reduce our CO2 emissions.
“Deployed on the passenger transport side of the business, the electric vans will be used by our tyre technicians who visit multiple sites every day, but who are classed as low-mileage city drivers.”
