EO Charging helps Mercedes-Benz Vans to accelerate electrification

EO Charging has partnered with Mercedes-Benz Vans to provide customers with electric vehicle chargers and services.

Anyone purchasing an electric van from Mercedes can benefit from the new partnership, which also includes charge point management software and ongoing support and maintenance.

For retail customers whose vehicle batteries will be charged at home, the EO charge point will be supplied and installed free of charge. Fleets and small businesses ordering vehicles for operation from one or more depots can also purchase EO chargers from Mercedes-Benz and its UK Retail network.

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK will be delivering 168 eSprinters to the British business unit of parcel service provider Hermes, while other fleet operators now running its electric models include the likes of Amazon, Clancy, Co-op, DPD and Royal Mail. Recognising that this new technology is still in its infancy, Mercedes-Benz Vans Dealers are also focused on helping customers of all sizes make the leap to electric.

Charlie Jardine, CEO and founder of EO, commented: “Making the switch to an electric vehicle can be daunting for businesses and the everyday EV driver. Too often do drivers leave a dealership without having received any education on how charging works – we want to put a stop to this in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“The partnership is testament to the reliability and success we’ve already achieved having worked indirectly with Mercedes-Benz Vans and is another significant step on our roadmap to becoming the global leader in charging electric car, van, truck and bus fleets.”

The manufacturer says its agreement with EO reflects its ‘Ambition 2039’ climate-neutral mobility goal and commitment to assist operators in making the transition from diesel- to battery-powered vehicles.

Kevin Ferris, head of electric mobility at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, added: “We are committed to the pursuit of emission-free mobility and sustainable vehicle production and it is crucial as we work towards these goals that we do so with partners we trust. This explains why Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has chosen to add EO as a charging partner.

“Our pledge to those contemplating the switch to electric is that we will be at their side to support them on their journeys to a cleaner, ‘greener’ future. Given its well proven capabilities and advanced technology, I have every confidence in EO’s ability to assist our customers by making the transition as simple as possible.”

EO Charging has also secured a landmark deal with Tesco to power its UK home delivery fleet of electric vans.

Tesco plans to have a fully electric delivery vehicle fleet by the end of 2028. This year, the business has already rolled out 30 electric vans, with plans in place for a further 150 in 2022.

As part of the first phase of the electrification programme, EO is supplying more than 200 AC fast chargers and 5 DC rapid chargers across five sites. The charging depots in Lakeside, Oxford, Glasgow and Enfield will serve both day-to-day charging requirements as well as emergency cover in case of short turn-around times required for vehicles.