KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), the operator and maintainer of London’s
Docklands Light Railway (DLR), has taken a major step towards sustainability by transitioning its entire car and van fleet to electric vehicles (EVs). This ambitious move is being delivered in partnership with DriveElectric, a leading EV leasing specialist, and Ford.
The initiative follows the start of a new eight-year contract with Transport for London (TfL) in April 2025, which set a target for full electrification within five years. KAD is ahead of schedule, with the entire fleet due to be fully electric by the end of December 2025. Already, 62% of the fleet is in place, replacing a legacy petrol and diesel fleet that had demanding operational requirements.
The transformation includes 39 electric vans and six electric cars, featuring specialist vehicles that have traditionally been difficult to electrify, such as vans with tail lifts and flatbeds. All vehicles have been supplied by Ford, creating a unified fleet of Puma Gen-E cars, E-Tourneo minibuses, and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans. These include variants with double cabs, tail lifts, dropside flatbeds, racking, shelving, and ladder racks. Working with a single manufacturer has enabled the deployment of Ford Pro telematics, delivering real-time insights to improve visibility, efficiency, and fleet performance.
Richard Graham, managing director of KeolisAmey Docklands, said: “Delivering a fully electric fleet over four years ahead of schedule is a testament to our team’s commitment and the strength of our partnerships with Ford and DriveElectric. We are proud to champion sustainability, operational excellence and community wellbeing in East London.”
The benefits extend beyond sustainability. The switch to electric vehicles has generated significant savings on fuel and maintenance, allowing reinvestment into future carbon reduction initiatives. With zero tailpipe emissions, the fleet is also improving air quality for staff and local communities.
More sustainable futureTom Page, Docklands Light Railway Ltd (DLRL) general manager, added: “We are delighted to see KeolisAmey Docklands deliver this ambitious EV fleet transformation. The project demonstrates the impact of close collaboration between DLRL, KAD, and our industry partners. By working together, we are driving real progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for London’s transport network.”
To maintain business continuity during the transition, DriveElectric provided short-term EV rentals. KAD also explored decentralised clean energy solutions for two grid-constrained London sites, including solar-powered chargers and battery storage at the Beckton depot, strengthening resilience against energy market volatility.
Liam Bone, Ford of Britain and Ireland’s regional fleet business manager, said: “This project shows the strength of collaboration. By working closely with DriveElectric, we have delivered a fleet solution made up of our freshest-ever line up that supports KeolisAmey Docklands’ transition to zero emission vehicles, combining Ford’s product capability and versatility with DriveElectric’s expertise.”
The project aligns with KAD’s ‘net zero’ ambitions and supports the Mayor of London’s clean air and ‘net zero’ targets, setting a new benchmark for sustainable fleet management in the light rail sector.
Adam Kemp, DriveElectric’s sales director, concluded: “This was a complex project, and finding the right product to meet demanding operational needs required real expertise. That is where DriveElectric makes the difference. By partnering with Ford, we delivered the right solution and managed every stage of the transition with precision. The outcome is a fleet that keeps critical infrastructure moving, improves visibility through Ford Pro telematics, reduces downtime, and supports the customer’s sustainability goals.”