VIRGIN MEDIA O2 CALLS ON THE RENAULT MASTER E-TECH ELECTRIC TO HELP TUNE INTO THE FLEET BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC VANS

• Virgin Media O2 to introduce 101 Renault Master E-Tech electric vans to support its engineers maintaining its nationwide broadband network 
• Master E-Tech electric chosen for its standout range of up to 285 miles and L2H2-body style that provides both practicality and agility in urban environments
• Renault Master E-Tech electric is priced from £37,500 plus VAT after PiVG

Virgin Media O2 is hitting the road with 101 new Renault Master E-Tech electric vans to support the company’s net zero carbon emissions goal by the end of 2040.

The new vans will be used across the country by the operator’s Network Engineers who are responsible for maintaining Virgin Media O2’s broadband network, 24/7, 365 days a year.  

Specified to meet the demands of frontline engineering work, each van features a comprehensive conversion package including full rear racking, a workbench, additional lighting, an inverter power system providing 240V power, a key-out system, ladder loaders and a solar panel, creating a true mobile workspace ready for everyday use.

Supplied via Ayvens, with Lookers acting as the supplying retailers, each Master E-Tech electric is expected to cover an average of 13,000 miles per year over a planned five-year operating cycle, supporting a busy schedule of essential maintenance work.

The Master E-Tech electric was selected following a competitive evaluation, standing out thanks to two decisive advantages: exceptional range capability of up to 285 miles on a single charge, and its availability in the highly sought-after L2H2 (medium length, medium roof) configuration that offers the ideal blend of load carrying capability and manoeuvrability.

Crucially, the L2H2 format delivers the rear headroom engineers need to work comfortably, while also offering a more manoeuvrable wheelbase that makes it easier to operate in towns and city centres, including parking on side streets and accessing tighter urban locations.

Michael Brown, Head of Fleet and EV propositions at Virgin Media O2, said: “Our Network Engineers need vehicles that can support them wherever they’re working, whether busy city centres or rural locations. 

"The Renault Master E-Tech electric offered the range we need, along with the right configuration to support our engineers on the road and on site.

“This is part of our journey to electrify our fleets and is one of the ways Virgin Media O2 is working to reduce its impact on the planet by cutting carbon and achieving net zero emissions by the end of 2040.”

Justin Costello, Head of Fleet, Renault Group UK, said: “Virgin Media O2’s decision to introduce over 100 Master E-Tech vans underlines how our electric LCVs are now delivering real-world capability for demanding fleet operations. With outstanding range, impressive practicality and a highly usable working environment, the Master E-Tech electric is an excellent fit for businesses that operate nationwide and need their vehicles to perform day in, day out. We’re delighted to support Virgin Media O2 as it continues its transition to EVs.”

The multi-award-winning Renault Master continues to set the benchmark in the large van segment, with its enhanced payload capability, load spaces ranging from 11 to 20 cubic metres, and a user-focused design that delivers everyday convenience for operators.

The Master E-Tech electric’s 105kW/300Nm electric motor is paired with an 87kWh battery delivering a WLTP range of up to 285 miles, while DC fast charging provides up to 142 miles of range in just 30 minutes. This ensures operators benefit from flexible charging options, whether that’s convenient overnight charging or rapid top-ups on the road to keep vehicles moving between jobs.

For more information on the Renault Master E-Tech electric, which is priced from £37,500 plus VAT after PiVG, visit: https://business.renault.co.uk/master-range/master-panel-electric.html

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ABOUT RENAULT
Renault, a historic mobility brand and pioneer of electric vehicles in Europe, has always developed innovative vehicles. Renault has embarked on an ambitious, value-generating transformation moving towards a more competitive, balanced and electrified range. Its ambition is to embody modernity and innovation in technology, energy and mobility services in the automotive industry and beyond.

ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA O2
Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK’s largest and most reliable mobile network with a fully gigabit broadband network.

The company has around 45 million UK connections across its award-winning broadband, mobile, TV and home phone services. Its fixed network covers more than half of the country (18.7m premises serviceable) alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation’s population. The company is on track to bring 5G to all populated areas by end 2030 and already offers 5G outdoor coverage to more than 80% of the UK population.

Virgin Media O2 is upgrading its fixed network to full fibre to the premises. Its shareholders and investment firm InfraVia Capital Partners, through a joint venture called nexfibre, are investing to build fibre to 2.5 million homes and businesses not currently served by Virgin Media O2’s network by the end of 2025. As a wholesale customer of this network, Virgin Media O2’s total footprint will reach around 80% of the UK once build and upgrade work is completed.

Through its B2B venture, O2 Daisy, the company plays a leading role supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, enterprises and the public sector with their digital transformation through a range of connectivity, security, cloud and tailor-made services. It is also the network of choice for mobile virtual network operators giffgaff and Sky Mobile, as well as managing a 50:50 joint venture with Tesco for Tesco Mobile.

The company is committed to using the power of connectivity to make its better for people and the planet, taking action to close the digital divide and building an inclusive, resilient, and low carbon economy. The business has set an ambitious commitment to achieve net zero carbon across its operations, products and supply chain by the end of 2040. 

Virgin Media O2 is a 50:50 joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefónica SA, and one of the UK’s largest businesses. Virgin Media O2 is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 12580944. Virgin Media O2 Limited, 500 Brook Drive, Reading, RG2 6UU.

For further information, please visit www.press.renault.co.uk or @RenaultUKPR or contact:

Jim Holder
Director of Communications
jim.holder@renault.co.uk – 07779 227930

Christian Tilbury
Press Relations Manager
christian.tilbury@renault.co.uk – 07759 122784