The UK arm of Hermes has announced it has placed the largest ever order for a fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the UK. The firm is also buying 32, battery electric vans (BEVs) for its operations in London. Hermes claims to be the first parcel delivery company to have ordered the fleet of HGV tractor units.

Each CNG vehicle is set to reduce carbon emissions relative to diesel trucks by 80%.

The BEVs are to operate out of the Gemini Park depot in Beckton. This site is set to serve more than 100 delivery rounds inside the London low emission zone. On average, Hermes delivers more than 6500 parcels per day, though during the coming peak season this could hit 11,500.

The CNG tractors are to be based at the Hermes super hub in Rugby, near to a CNG fuel station, and follows a six month trial into using the units.

Hermes is working towards reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2020.

Martijn de Lange, CEO of Hermes UK, said: “We’re proud of our strides forward in sustainability as we become the first parcel carrier to invest in bio fuels for our fleet. This, plus the additional investment in our electric vehicles, will not only support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals, but also ultimately benefit people across the UK as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint. As a parcel carrier delivering within central London, we are committed to helping improve air quality in the capital and supporting London on its path to a zero emission future, so we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Transport for London.”