Virgin Media O2 adds 101 new Renault Master electric vans to fleet

Virgin Media O2 in the UK has put 101 new Renault Master E-Tech electric vans into operation.

The new vans will be used across the UK by the operator’s network engineers who are responsible for maintaining its broadband network.

Specified to meet the demands of frontline engineering work, each van features a comprehensive conversion package including full rear racking, a workbench, additional lighting, an inverter power system providing 240V power, a key-out system, ladder loaders and a solar panel.

Each Master E-Tech electric is expected to cover an average of 13,000 miles per year over a planned five-year operating cycle.

Virgin Media O2 said the Master E-Tech electric was selected following a competitive evaluation, standing out thanks to its range capability of up to 460km on a single charge, and its availability in the L2H2 (medium length, medium roof) configuration.

Crucially, the L2H2 format delivers the rear headroom engineers need to work comfortably, while also offering a more manoeuvrable wheelbase that makes it easier to operate in towns and city centres, including parking on side streets and accessing tighter urban locations.

Michael Brown, head of fleet and EV propositions at Virgin Media O2, said the Renault Master E-Tech electric “offered the range we need, along with the right configuration to support our engineers on the road and on site”.