Cancer Research UK has expanded its electric commercial vehicle fleet with the addition of Renault Master E-Tech electric vans, which will be used to transport donated stock between its Regional Distribution Centre in Fleet and its nationwide network of charity shops.
The charity says the new vans will be driven by its full-time logistics team and are each expected to cover up to 800 miles per week, supporting the movement of donated goods that help fund cancer research.
Cancer Research UK selected the Renault Master E-Tech electric following an evaluation of whole-life operating costs, electric driving range, payload capacity and driver feedback.
The charity already operates an all-Renault light commercial vehicle fleet, including a mix of Renault panel vans, Luton low-floor vehicles and a Renault Kangoo E-Tech electric.
Read our Renault Master E-Tech review
The latest additions are Renault Master E-Tech electric LM35 long wheelbase, medium roof panel vans. Each vehicle has been fitted with bespoke racking, LED load area lighting and 360-degree parking sensors to support the demands of multi-drop retail logistics.
Colin Jones, Senior Contracts Manager, Fleet & Travel at Cancer Research UK, said: “Every item we move through our retail network has the potential to help fund life-saving research, so having the right vehicles in place really matters.
“The Renault Master E-Tech electric gives our teams the space, range and usability they need to keep stock flowing from our Regional Distribution Centre into local shops, while helping us reduce local emissions from our operations.”
The latest Renault Master E-Tech electric offers a WLTP driving range of up to 285 miles and is available from £37,500 plus VAT after the Plug-in Van Grant.
With an anticipated weekly mileage of around 800 miles, the vehicles will spend much of their working lives transporting donated clothing, furniture and household goods from the charity’s distribution hub to retail outlets across the region.
Seb Brechon, Head of LCV at Renault UK, said: “Cancer Research UK’s adoption of the Master E-Tech electric shows how electric vans can deliver in busy, real-world fleet operations where practicality, range and driver confidence all matter.
“With strong load-carrying capability, a highly usable working environment and up to 285 miles of WLTP range, the Master E-Tech electric is well suited to organisations that need their vehicles to perform every day. We’re pleased to support Cancer Research UK as it puts electric vans to work in a way that directly supports its fundraising activity.”
