In the last three years, Jersey Post has undertaken a range of fuel saving initiatives including the introduction of telematics, stop-start technology and increase driver training. However, it was the move to introduce 15 Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicles to its 116 strong delivery fleet in August that caught the eye of the judges last night.

Jersey Post’s current vehicle fleet has over 116 vans, the majority of which are on a rolling five-year warranty agreement. With at least 32 of the current fleet approaching this milestone, Jersey Post worked with a number of local suppliers, namely Jersey Electricity, Freelance as well as Nissan, to source a solution that not only worked financially, but that also provided a good fit with the company’s CSR policy of minimising the impact of the postal delivery network on our island and the wider environment. 

In recognition of Jersey Post’s successful transition to electric vehicles, the organisation picked up the Private Sector of the Year Award (Small to Medium Category) at last night’s awards ceremony. Other winners at the Award’s 12th annual event included Renault, Nissan, Microsoft, Toyota, Fiat and the London Fire Brigade. In addition, Jersey Post’s Fleet Manager, Darren Moon, was awarded a highly commended certificate in the Fleet Manager of the Year category for his involvement in the project.

Andy Jehan, Director of Operations at Jersey Post stated, “We are so thrilled to have been recognised nationally for our work on introducing a more environmentally friendly delivery fleet. Electric vehicles are perfectly suited to the type of driving that is typical of life in Jersey. The project was a huge piece of work, not only because of the physical changes that had to be made to accommodate charging points and electrical feeds, but also the financial work and planning that was required to ensure that the model would work for us moving forward. Not only are these vehicles fantastic in terms of their minimal environmental impact, but also they provide the added bonus that the solution we agreed on is actually very cost-effective over a five-year period, potentially a saving of up to 40% over five years compared to our previous arrangements.”

The move to electric will see Jersey Post’s carbon footprint reduced by 35 tonnes a year, as each van’s emissions will reduce by around 95%. The acquisition of 15 e-NV200s is just the start of the de-carbonisation of Jersey Post’s 116-vehicle fleet as the utility intends to replace other diesel vehicles as and when they come to the end of their warranty.

Darren Moon said, “As well as the financial savings that these vehicles offer, they help us achieve a number of operational objectives, both environmentally and performance-wise. They offer a great load capacity and are very well suited to the type of stop-start driving over short distances that is so normal here in Jersey. I really enjoyed the challenges that this project gave me as Fleet Manager and never thought for one second that it would result in being shortlisted for a national award I’m truly delighted!”

The 15 Nissan e-NV200s are already in use on delivery rounds island-wide and can be easily identified by the environmentally themed livery that adorns the side of the vehicles. The electric vehicle project could not have happened without the support and advice of Jersey Post’s valued project partners; Nissan, Freelance and Jersey Electricity.

Source: Jersey Post