The first Vivaro-e has already been delivered for use by a Mitie frontline engineer. It has been specially fitted-out to ensure it can carry all the equipment needed while minimising weight, to help maximise the battery’s range.
While Mitie began its electric vehicle transition in mid-2019, this was with a focus on cars and small vans, as there was no viable alternative for its large diesel vans with an adequate range to manage the heavy load often carried by mobile engineering teams.
Mitie ordered the 75kWh battery vans with a split of standard L1 and long L2 wheelbase versions. Capable of up to 205 miles from a single charge, these Vivaro-e vans support up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80% charge taking just 45 minutes.
Payload is up to 1226kg. The vehicle is also capable of towing up to one tonne. The vans are also exempt from current congestion and ultra-low emissions charges, and also benefit-in-kind taxation at 60 per cent of the standard van rate.
Simon King, Mitie director of sustainability and social value, said: “When we began our EV journey 18 months ago we thought switching our big vans would be one of our biggest challenges. However, with Vauxhall helping us overcome this hurdle, we’re very pleased to be marking our milestone 1,000th zero emission vehicle with the delivery of this Vivaro-e. With over 600 more set to join our fleet this year, we’re making great progress towards our target of 2,021 EVs in 2021 and helping even more Mitie fleet drivers switch to electric.”