In a bid to enhance its commitment to sustainability, An Post, the Irish postal service, has been steadily expanding its electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The journey began in 2019 when An Post set out to procure the first 750 electric transporters, and by November 2023, the number had grown by over 250 more EVs. The postal service’s ambitious plans continue as it aims to reach a fleet of 1,250 electric vehicles by the first quarter of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, An Post aspires to have every other delivery van in its fleet powered purely by electricity.
Currently, An Post reports that 30 percent of its delivery routes are served by electric vehicles. With the addition of more EVs in the coming months, this figure is set to rise to 32 percent by the first quarter of 2024. The upcoming Christmas season will see the deployment of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, especially designed to handle the surge in parcel deliveries, with expectations exceeding 100,000 parcels per day. Amusingly, press photos of the ID. Buzz Cargo include a disguised Santa Claus, adding a festive touch to the eco-friendly endeavor.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo offers a commendable 3.9 cubic meters of cargo space, accommodating items of up to 2.20 meters in length. While the Irish postal service is likely to opt for a shelving system, it’s capable of loading up to two Euro pallets without the need for interior fittings. The vehicle maintains a maximum payload capacity of 647 kilograms, placing it within the van segment’s lower range.
David McRedmond, Managing Director of An Post, expressed his excitement regarding the new ID. Buzz fleet, underlining the company’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. He stated, “We’re excited about the positive impact it will have on our environment and the communities and customers we serve as we continue to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the quality of life in Ireland, now and for generations to come.”
An Post’s rapid expansion of its EV fleet and dedication to reducing its carbon footprint signifies a significant step towards greener and more eco-conscious delivery services in Ireland.
