Octopus Energy Adds 23 PEUGEOT e-Expert vans to fleet

PEUGEOT has secured a sale with green energy provider Octopus Energy that will see the company take on 23 of the brand’s full electric e-Expert vans. Operating across its London-based fleet, the PEUGEOT e-Expert vans will be used to help Octopus Energy Services – its engineering arm – install electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the capital.

Having previously worked with a fleet of 60 PEUGEOT Expert diesel vans, Octopus will be making the switch over to electric variants from June this year, as the energy supplier continues to build on the sustainable credentials of its services.

Octopus has opted for 23 of the PEUGEOT e-Expert Standard Professional trim models with 75kWh battery, allowing the vehicle to operate with a range of up to 205 miles (WLTP certified), practical for the distances the fleet services will be operating across the Capital.

Winner of the International Van of the Year Award 2021, the new PEUGEOT e-Expert has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000kg, and with a payload of up to 1,226kg and 6.6 m3 load capacity, the new model suits a variety of business and private user needs. Based on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy modular platform, the new PEUGEOT e-Expert offers a maximum power of 100kW and a maximum torque of 260 Nm.

The full electric van is available with a choice of 50kWh and 75kWh battery, which is connected to a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. Supporting up to 100kW rapid charging, a 0-80% charge can be completed in 30 minutes for the 50kWh battery and 45 minutes for the 75kWh, making it flexible for every fleet and private user. The PEUGEOT e-Expert forms part of the brand’s electrification strategy that aims to provide an electric variant across its range by 2025, and an electric variant for every LCV model in the line-up by the end of this year.

The new PEUGEOT e-Expert comes available in the same three lengths as the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions in order to meet all user’s needs: Compact 4.6m, Standard 4.95m and Long 5.30m.

Julie David, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, said: “We’re delighted that Octopus Energy has chosen PEUGEOT’s full electric e-Expert van as the latest vehicle to join its fleet. Octopus are doing a great job supporting Britain’s transition over to electrification with the work installing charge points across the capital. With a range of up to 205 miles and a maximum payload of up to a ton, the PEUGEOT e-Expert is a fantastic choice for businesses looking to operate practically and sustainably.”

The fleet of PEUGEOT e-Expert vans has been ordered through PEUGEOT franchised Retailer Marshall, Cambridge and funded by FREE2MOVE Lease UK. The order has been placed with PEUGEOT’s FREE2MOVE Connect Fleet telematics service, which allows drivers to stay connected to their vehicle, closely monitoring details such as mileage, fuel consumption and mechanical system. PEUGEOT’s award-winning light commercial vehicle (LCV) range is now available with a complimentary six-month trial subscription to its FREE2MOVE Connect Fleet telematics service when customers order a new van, including models across the e-LCV range.

John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, said: “As a green energy provider, we are focused on driving the renewable energy revolution globally. We don’t just mean in the energy industry either, with transport being the UK’s largest emitting sector it’s high time we put the brakes on unnecessary internal combustion cars on the road. Our 23 new Peugeot e-Expert vans ensure we are firmly in the driving seat as we begin decarbonising our whole engineering fleet. With our new vehicles we’ll be able to install the next generation of clean energy products including heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and smart meters. Helping improve air quality in cities across the UK and reducing the country’s emission as a whole.”

Shane Coomber, Commercial Director of Free2Move Lease UK, said:

“With our business leasing knowledge, solutions, and services, Free2Move Lease is here to help businesses in their transition so it is smooth, progressive and effective. We’re delighted to have supported Octopus Energy on each step of their transition to an electric fleet. This move is pivotal in their mission to drive the renewable energy revolution, helping improve air quality in cities across the UK and reduce CO₂ emissions.”

The e-Expert vans will be provided through Octopus Energy’s own fully electric leasing business, Octopus Electric Vehicles.

The PEUGEOT e-Expert provides significant financial benefits to businesses that may need to drive in and around cities with Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ), like London, as the vehicles’ zero emissions make it exempt from Congestion and ULEZ charges.

Alongside Octopus Energy, affiliated gas and electric supplier Smarter Metering Services Ltd has also placed an order for six PEUGEOT e-Expert vans, in Standard Professional trim with 75kWh battery, to support their services.

Customers can access the PEUGEOT LCV and e-LCV range in store with PEUGEOT Retailers, and for ease, those wishing to purchase an LCV are able to reserve their vehicle online and then complete their journey with their local PEUGEOT retailer.