Wilson James deploys first electric HGV at Heathrow via Fraikin five year contract
By Eve
Logistics firm Wilson James has taken delivery of a 26 tonne Daf XD Electric rigid truck on a five year full service contract hire from fleet specialist Fraikin, replacing a diesel vehicle in its Heathrow operation. The electric HGV will transport construction materials from a consolidation centre to airport projects, supported by Fraikin's FleetCare maintenance network with level three EV trained technicians for on site and roadside repairs. Fraikin conducted a comprehensive operational audit covering payload demands, shift patterns, annual mileage and charging infrastructure before selecting the vehicle.
Why it matters
The deployment shows how fleet operators are using specialist consultancy and maintenance packages to de risk first electric HGV adoptions, with detailed site audits and mobile technician support addressing key barriers to commercial vehicle electrification. The Heathrow logistics use case demonstrates electric rigids entering short haul construction supply chains where predictable routes and depot charging align with current battery range.
Source
- Original title
- “Wilson James takes delivery of first eHGV”
- Published
- 9 October 2026
- Updated
- 10 October 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- United Kingdom
- Tag
- Wilson James
Related news
Brazilian battery swap firm Vammo reaches 10 million swaps and EBITDA profitability
Vammo, a São Paulo based electric motorcycle and battery swapping company, has surpassed 10 million battery swaps since launching in 2022, up from 1 million swaps in early 2024. The firm now operates around 1,000 swapping points serving more than 10,000 active riders and has achieved EBITDA profitability. Vammo is expanding to Campinas as its second city, with plans to focus on São Paulo state before broader Latin American rollout.
Why it matters
The profitability milestone and rapid swap volume growth demonstrate a viable commercial model for battery swapping infrastructure in high density two wheeler markets, where São Paulo state alone sees over 500,000 motorcycle sales annually. Vammo's expansion plans signal potential procurement opportunities for swapping hardware and energy management systems across Latin America's urban delivery and mobility sectors.
Lepas L8 Elevate plug-in hybrid SUV launches in UK at £34,900 with 10% BiK rate
Lepas, the premium brand from Chery (parent of Omoda and Jaecoo), has launched its first UK model, the L8 Elevate plug-in hybrid SUV. The mid-size family SUV is priced from £34,900 for the Essence trim to £37,900 for the top-spec Elevate, attracting a 10% Benefit-in-Kind rate for the 2026/27 tax year. Reviewer Ian Campbell praised the cabin quality, leather seats and premium detailing, noting that 20% taxpayers face around £63 monthly BiK and 40% taxpayers roughly £126, delivering meaningful savings over petrol equivalents in the 30% plus BiK bracket.
Why it matters
The competitive pricing and low BiK rate position the L8 as an attractive fleet option for organisations seeking cost-effective plug-in hybrid SUVs, while the new brand entry adds another contender in the mid-size PHEV segment that may influence procurement shortlists and residual value benchmarks for charging infrastructure planners.
BYD unveils Atto 8 with five minute charge at Paris Motor Show, plans 3000 European stations by end 2027
BYD launched the Atto 8 seven seat SUV at the Paris Motor Show 2026, featuring second generation Blade Battery technology that charges to 70% in five minutes or 97% in nine minutes. The 115kWh flagship model offers up to 405 miles WLTP range in rear wheel drive form and 374 miles in the all wheel drive variant, with UK deliveries scheduled for spring 2027. BYD will install 3000 Flash Charging stations across Europe by the end of 2027 to support the rollout.
Why it matters
The 3000 station European network represents a major infrastructure procurement opportunity for charge point operators and installers over the next two years. BYD's five minute charging capability could reshape site design and throughput requirements for high power charging locations.