Peugeot vans enhance EDF Energy’s low carbon vehicle fleet

Peugeot is supporting EDF Energy in meeting strict CO2 emission reduction targets with the supply of 87 brand new Partner Origin vans to its fleet in the South West of England. The new vans will assist the energy company in reducing emissions from its transport activities of some 20% by 2012.

The Peugeot Partner Origin vans, equipped with the highly-capable 1.6-litre HDi 90 diesel engine, have been specified with air conditioning, twin side-load doors on top of a standard high-level of standard equipment that even includes twin airbags. Handover of the vehicles recently took place, utilising the space within the grounds of Exeter Rugby Football Club, where drivers were instructed to bring and swap their old vehicles for the new Partner Origin van.

Peugeot’s relationship with EDF Energy spans over 12 years of service, and currently accounts for some 40% of the 5,000 vehicle EDF Energy fleet. Peugeot is a key partner in the future plans for EDF Energy’s fleet activity as it strives to make a big impact reducing CO2 emissions, while benefiting from the lower costs in operating more economic vehicles. The latest vans, like Peugeot’s new Bipper van are specifically designed for city driving and will potentially be added to its London fleet in 2009.

The Bipper is Peugeot’s first small van to have CO2 emissions of just 119g/km. Powered by a punchy 1.4-litre HDi diesel engine it can accommodate a rear load of 2.5m3 and will be a strong addition to EDF Energy’s Meter Reading fleet.

Chris Pascall, Head of Transport for EDF Energy, says: “The fleet of vehicles we stood to inherit, following substantial growth of our metering business within the South West, had average CO2 emissions of 174g/km. To help meet our strict transport emissions policy, we will be replacing this entire fleet with the Peugeot Partner Origin. We will immediately benefit from an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions in this region.

“The CO2 emissions of our vans, particularly in inner city areas like London, are a key consideration for us, hence the reason we’ll be looking seriously at the brand new Peugeot Bipper van for 2009. It benefits both the environment and our expenditure,” he added.

“We are often tasked with meeting the demands of specific fleet requirements, such as EDF Energy’s low CO2 emissions policy,” said Geoff Watts, Fleet Sales Manager for Peugeot. “By offering EDF Energy the Partner Origin, it will considerably reduce its transport CO2 emissions while greatly lowering the company fuel bills. With high fuel economy and low tax rates, EDF Energy’s fleet managers can address the current escalating fuel costs by operating economic vehicles. We have a very modern range of LCVs to help companies comply with environmental obligations while reducing their costs.”

EDF Energy currently operates every example of Peugeot’s extensive LCV range, utilising the 207 van, Partner and from 2009, the all-new Bipper van, for the Meter-Reading area of its business, with the larger Expert and Boxer vans selected for network activities.