KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), the operator of London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR), said it is on track to fully electrify its car and van fleet by December 2025, completing the transition four years earlier than required under its contract with Transport for London (TfL). The company said the electrification mandate forms part of its new eight-year operating agreement, which originally set a five-year deadline.
KAD reported that 64 percent of its fleet has already been replaced with electric vehicles, putting the operator on course to complete the transition this year. The previous fleet consisted of petrol and diesel models, which are being phased out in favour of 39 electric vans and six electric cars supplied entirely by Ford. The new fleet includes Puma Gen E cars, E-Tourneo minibuses, E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as specialised variants such as double cabs, dropsides, flatbeds and tail-lifts.
The use of a single manufacturer has enabled KAD to integrate Ford’s Pro telematics system across the fleet, providing real-time data on driver behaviour, vehicle performance and energy consumption. The company said this supports operational efficiency and improves service reliability.
KAD has also partnered with DriveElectric, a UK-based EV fleet services firm, which provided short-term rental vehicles during the transition and assisted with charging infrastructure planning at two grid-constrained sites. “This was a complex project, and finding the right product to meet demanding operational needs required real expertise,” said Adam Kemp, DriveElectric’s Sales Director. “By partnering with Ford, we delivered the right solution and managed every stage of the transition with precision.”
The electrification programme is part of broader efforts to modernise support operations within London’s transport network and reduce emissions across public-service fleets.