New eSprinters to cover 13,000km annually for defence contractor

UK-based defence contractor BAE Systems has acquired two new fully-electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans, as part of its plan to decarbonise its commercial vehicle fleet.

The 3.5-tonners are the first EVs to be operated at BAE’s Broad Oak manufacturing plant in Portsmouth, replacing diesel-powered vehicles.

Under the agreement, Fraikin has also provided EV infrastructure support, assisting the installation of two dedicated charging points.

BAE Systems’ new vans feature a 55kWh battery pack and can be recharged to 80 per cent capacity via an 80kW DC charger in 30 minutes.

Their driving range of up to 175km is an ideal fit for BAE’s daily operational needs at Broad Oak, with the vehicles mainly working in and around the Portsmouth area.

One electric van will be dedicated to carrying a variety of goods for BAE Systems’s Maritime Services business, while the second will be made available for general use by Broad Oak’s on-site staff.

Each vehicle is expected to cover almost 13,000km per year.