Universal Courier Logistical Services (UCLS) has expanded its electric fleet with 33 Renault Trucks E-Tech Master panel vans, supplied through Renault Trucks dealer Allports Group. The multimillion-pound order supports a new zero-emission home-delivery contract across the North of England.

UCLSExternal link image handles around 700 final-mile routes every day, and will deploy the new vans in Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds — all locations where the retail contract requires the use of zero-emission vehicles. The latest additions bring UCLS’s electric fleet to 48 vehicles, with a stated ambition to electrify more than half of its 600-strong fleet by 2030.

Renault Trucks Master E-Tech for UCLS

Managing director Ricky Sharma said the new contract has helped accelerate the company’s plans. “We want to be ahead of the market. We’re brave, we’re learning, and we’re always exploring more opportunities for electric vehicles. This investment is just the beginning of our decarbonisation journey.”

The Renault Trucks E-Tech Master enters service with an 87kWh battery, an all-electric range of more than 285 miles, and 15–80% rapid charging in around 30 minutes. UCLS expects the vans to run full shifts without the need for mid-route charging, with vehicles plugged in overnight at its depots. Each will be used by two-person delivery teams.

Sharma said early planning has focused on making the most of EV capability across varied urban and suburban routes. “We’ve been able to maintain our own high standards and aspirations but also fulfil all our customers’ objectives,” he said, “which is a testament to the ambition, resilience and forward-thinking approach of our team.”

Payload and usable space were also decisive factors. The E-Tech Master in L3H2 form offers up to 1,541kg of payload and a cargo volume of 13.2m³, with Euro-pallet access through the side door. “We need about 1.1 tonnes and up to 230 miles on a single charge,” Sharma added. “The new version of the E-Tech Master can do just that.”

Allports Group brokered the order after hosting UCLS at a Renault Trucks Product Experience event in France. Group sales director Graeme Wilson said operators are increasingly finding fewer compromises with electric vans. “For light commercial vehicles like the Renault Trucks E-Tech Master, operators no longer have to compromise between payload, efficiency and range — it delivers across all three in spades,” he said.

Aftersales support from the dealer network was another deciding factor. “We rely on our vehicles, so support and aftercare service is essential,” Sharma said. “I want and need a quality service from my vehicle provider so that we can provide a quality service to our customers, and that’s why we use Allports.”

Allports has worked with UCLS since the courier firm was founded six years ago and will continue to support its wider decarbonisation plans. Wilson said choosing the right electric vehicle for the routes, payload and operational demands remains essential, with consultancy now playing an important role in helping operators transition with confidence.

Phil Huff
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