Openreach, one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, has placed an order for 270 fully electric Vivaro-e vans and nine Corsa-e cars.

With around 27,000 vehicles, the company operates one of the UK’s largest fleets and has run diesel versions of the Vauxhall vans for the past 15 years.

This order comes shortly after the UK Electric Fleets Coalition, of which Openreach is a founding member, asked the Government to set the target for 100% of new car and van sales to be fully electric by 2030 (with exceptions for the small number of vehicles where this may not be possible).

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is available with two battery options, with the 50kW unit achieving 143-miles of range under WLTP testing, while the 75kW unit extends the range to 205 miles; and with 100kW rapid charging, an 80% charge can be achieved in 30 and 45min respectively. The Vivaro-e has a maximum payload of 1,226kg and can tow up to 1,000kg.

The Vauxhall Corsa-e has a 50kWh battery for a range of up to 209 miles from a single charge; and with 100kW rapid charging it can achieve an 80% charge in just 30min.

Openreach CEO Clive Selley said: “Openreach is ‘leading the charge’ on the transition to electric vehicles. Our order today is an important first step as we begin to move our fleet, the second-largest commercial fleet in the UK, to being fully electric.”

Explaining the choice behind the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Chris Mullings, operating licence and vehicle compliance manager at Openreach, said: “Although, the Corsa-e is a compact car, it is surprisingly roomy, incredibly easy to drive and comfortable on both short and long journeys.

“The range is also very good and with its DC charging capability it provides additional rapid charging options if ever needed.”