SMALL businesses that want to get their hands on the latest in electric van technology can do so through LeasePlan, the leasing and car-as-a-service provider.
Arrival, which has enjoyed funding from UPS and Kia and Hyundai, is built in so-called microfactories – in the UK, there is one at Bicester in Oxfordshire. Cost is kept down, says Arrival, by use of its ‘skateboard’ chassis, and the manufacture of in-house components and software.
LeasePlan says it has bought 3000 vans which will be offered under business contract hire to UK and European firms. Availability should commence Q3, 2021.
Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, said:
“Demand for online shopping is skyrocketing, but this demand has to be met responsibly, and concerns about pollution from delivery vehicles need to be addressed. I’m therefore delighted to be partnering with Arrival, which will see LeasePlan delivering some of the greenest, cleanest and truly innovative eLCVs to our customers. Together we are going to revolutionise the fast-growing eLCV market and make zero emission deliveries part and parcel of the New Normal.”
Not Thinking Like An OEM
Read our feature on Arrival and the UPS order for 10,000 eLCVs
There has been no indication yet of the cost of an Arrival business contract hire lease through LeasePlan, but Arrival has said before that, thanks to its method of manufacture, vans should cost no more than a diesel equivalent, while offering the operating cost benefits of electrification.
Avinash Rugoobur, President of Arrival, commented on the agreement:
“LeasePlan is not only the world’s largest Car-as-a-Service company, but they have also shown a long-term commitment to carbon footprint reduction as founding members of the EV100 – really putting sustainability on the map long before it was popular. Arrival is thrilled to be partnering with a fellow company leading the charge to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions vehicles, bringing sustainable mobility and cleaner air to cities around the world. This shows Arrival’s method is truly game changing and can roll out in multiple locations rapidly. With this new partnership, Arrival will be able to deepen and expand our presence globally, working with LeasePlan to bring the best possible products to its customers and in turn helping them to achieve their own sustainability goals.”
Want To Know More About Changing To eLCVs?
Click here read our electric van special: Why SME Van Fleets Should Go EV
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page