Summary

Handsfree Group have been a trusted partner and installer for DPD for over 10 years. In that time, we have worked closely with DPD to ensure that their vehicles and drivers are protected by the latest security technology. To support DPD’s journey towards a more sustainable and greener future, Handsfree Group conducted multiple assessments to decide which electric vehicle type was best suited to DPD’s business. Our team completed an in-depth security assessment on three different vehicle types to determine the security risks of each vehicle. Following on from that assessment, Handsfree Group supplied DPD with survey reports and full vehicle designs, allowing the client to make a fully informed decision. Based on the vehicle assessments, DPD invested in the Maxus range of electric vans. The Maxus E9 and ED3 were chosen, and 1500 vehicles were ordered. Our FITAS accredited, skilled technical engineers carried out both assessments and all installations.

DPD Vehicle (Maxus E9) with accompanying Security Assessment Documentation.
DPD Vehicle (Maxus ED9) with accompanying Security Assessment Documentation.

Challenges

As electric vehicles were relatively new technology at the time, technical information was very limited. Furthermore, the ED3 and ED9 did not share the same lock/unlock protocols, so one solution would not work on both vehicle types.

Solution

A range of safety, security, and communication solutions were implemented into each vehicle. One of these products being the Tech Electronic Cargo Locks, which disables the vans original locking system. Instead, the door automatically locks when it is closed, and is unlocked using a uniquely programmed key tag. This offers greater ease of use for couriers to quickly access the cargo doors of their vehicle.

Due to the presence of the high voltage system within electric vehicles, we worked closely with Maxus to implement this solution. To protect the driver’s belongings when entering the cargo area, we designed the Tech Electronic Cargo Lock
solution to only operate when the engine is turned off, and the cabin doors are locked – improving the security of the vehicle.

  • Electronic Cargo Lock
  • Reverse Alarm
  • TECh Anti-Drill Plates with Latch Protection
  • Zirkona Mount
  • TECh CT60 Charging Cradle
  • Datalive Telematics
  • Datalive Fleet Management Tools
  • QR Tags and Code

DPD’s Head of CSR, Olly Craughan, commented, “We’re absolutely delighted with the MAXUS. The 3.5t van is the workhorse of any delivery and collection fleet, so to get our hands on an EV with this kind of capacity and range is a real game changer for us. We’ve got EVs in every DPD depot already, but they are largely focused on quite compact routes, usually in city centres, where range isn’t an issue. But this opens up the possibility of clean, green deliveries on a much larger scale.

We’re absolutely delighted with the MAXUS. The 3.5t van is the workhorse of any delivery and collection fleet, so to get our hands on an EV with this kind of capacity and range is a real game changer for us.