Electric vehicle pioneer Gnewt by Menzies Distribution makes its ten millionth ‘zero-carbon’ parcel delivery as it celebrates 10 years in business

Gnewt by Menzies Distribution, the UK’s first and largest 100% electric delivery fleet, has delivered its ten millionth parcel emission free, saving a total estimated 2.3 million kg of CO2 compared to standard diesel delivery vehicles, demonstrating the positive impact that green delivery can have.

The firm, which pioneered parcel deliveries using electric vehicles (EVs) is also celebrating 10 years in business in which it has:

• Grown the Gnewt and Menzies Distribution fleet to more than 120 EVs
• Proven to cut CO2 emissions by an average of 67% per parcel
• Secured delivery contracts with national and international carriers as well as leading e-tailers such as ASOS
• Won multiple-awards nationally and internationally in sustainable and logistics sectors

Gnewt has pioneered all-electric parcel deliveries, building its business in London where its fleet has allowed customers to offer green deliveries with zero tailpipe CO2 and NoX emissions.

The expertise that Gnewt has developed during its first decade in business has been sought out across the logistics industry with the company collaborating with the Mayor of London, leading retailers and motor manufacturers to test new forms of zero emission deliveries and logistics.

In its early days Gnewt worked tirelessly to source the types of electric vans that it needed to fulfil parcel deliveries in London and in doing so, expanded its expertise into the design of bespoke vans, based on EV vehicles supplied by major manufacturers.

Today Gnewt has one of the UK’s largest fully-electric fleets, and the largest 100% electric fleet in the parcels and logistics sector. It has recently grown its postcode delivery capability by 50% and as part of Menzies Distribution, will now be rolling-out EV technology and deliveries across the Menzies Distribution fleet of more than 2000 trucks and vans in 2020. This EV strategy will see the acquisition of new electric vehicles and introduction of the UK’s largest EV rapid charging infrastructure across Menzies’ UK network of 65 depots.

Alongside this, Gnewt has installed the largest privately owned smart charging infrastructure in the UK at its Bow depot. Through this technology it carefully manages the electric fleet requirement everyday as well as discharging energy from vehicles back to the grid or depot at peak times. This innovative approach ensures that the business is sympathetic to the wider ecosystem and furthermore is making steps to positively contribute to future grid demands that vehicle electrification creates.

Sam Clarke of Gnewt by Menzies Distribution stated: “Delivering ten million parcels over 3.5 million emission free miles is a significant milestone for and for the environment. When we started the business ten years ago, EVs were regarded as a novelty and many people didn’t see them as a viable part of a mass logistics delivery network.

“Today that has changed beyond all recognition and the work that the team at Gnewt has undertaken has helped shape government and local authority policy and enabled leading retailers to embrace the electric vehicle revolution.

“We are also pleased to see major retail brands getting on board with the future of electric delivery as we gain more and more clients. We are also continuing to work with local authorities and government as we plan to extend into other cities across the UK.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, and we look forward to the next ten years when we intend to continue to disrupt the industry, demonstrate measurable change and expand our London and national operations to bring this pioneering, best in class sustainable solution to more and more offices and homes around the UK.”

Adam Smith, Commercial Director at Menzies Distribution commented: “Gnewt is a true innovator, a brand that has led the way in the development of fully electric parcel delivery services.

“We at Menzies Distribution are working to future-proof our UK network of 65 depots and 2000 vehicles.

“Gnewt operates in London, one of the most congested and busy delivery environments in Europe and has proved that even in this city, EVs can work as effectively and with considerable less environmental impact, than conventional diesel vehicles. It’s a great achievement and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone.”

Watch our Ten Year Celebration Video here!