BAE Systems calls on Fraikin for Mercedes electric vans and charging points

Defence contractor BAE Systems has taken delivery of two Mercedes 3.5-tonne electric vans on contract hire from Fraikin.

The vehicles are the first to be deployed at the company’s Broad Oak manufacturing plant in Portsmouth and replace diesel-powered assets.

As part of the four-year deal, Fraikin has also provided EV infrastructure support, assisting with the installation of two dedicated charging points.

The vans feature a 55kWh battery pack and can be recharged to 80% capacity via an 80kW DC charger in 30 minutes.

One electric van will be used for carrying goods for BAE Systems’ maritime services business, while the second will be made available for general use by Broad Oak’s on-site staff.

It expects each new asset to cover approximately 8,000 miles annually.

Jon Penny, BAE Systems’ Broad Oak site lead, said: “We’re working towards reducing our environmental impact and making progress on our road to sustainability and our company ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2030.”