KeolisAmey Docklands: Transitioning to a fully electric fleet

As a community-centric organisation in the capital, KAD is focused on delivering strong operational performance, improving fleet efficiency, and meeting its carbon reduction commitments as part of TfL’s wider Net Zero strategy.

As part of its contract, KAD needed to overhaul its vehicle fleet strategy to meet new operational, environmental and performance demands. The business had to replace its petrol and diesel vehicles to align with its sustainability objectives, with specialist vehicle adaptations such as tail lifts and flatbeds being needed for use across East London operations.

Operational continuity also needed to be maintained between decommissioning legacy vehicles and deploying the new electric fleet, and on-site charging infrastructure had to be developed across two grid-constrained London locations.

DriveElectric won the contract with KeolisAmey Docklands following a competitive tender process, delivering a turnkey electrification strategy built around KAD’s operational requirements. The solution involved fleet specification and procurement with a single manufacturer, funder, and dealer for 6 cars and 39 vans, including custom vehicle conversions such as tail lifts and flatbeds, and full livery and branding. Vehicles comprise of Ford Puma Gen-E cars, Ford E-Tourneo minibuses, and Ford E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, including variants with double cabs, dropsides, racking, shelving, ladder racks, tow bars and tail lifts.

Partnering with Ford enabled the deployment of Ford ProTM telematics, and allowed the integration with vehicle supply, maintenance and support through a single provider, replacing the previous dual-provider model. Short-term electric vehicle rentals have maintained business continuity during the transition period, and DriveElectric has also supported in the development of scalable on-site charging infrastructure, with KAD investing in decentralised, clean energy infrastructure, including solar-powered chargers and battery storage at the Beckton depot, enhancing resilience to energy market volatility.

All electric vehicles being provided by a single supplier, including bespoke conversions, along with the integration of maintenance, telematics, and support, has reduced downtime and enhanced operational performance, as well as simplifying fleet management, reducing administrative complexity, and improving cost control.

The transition has delivered a 41% reduction in cost per mile, and significant savings on fuel and maintenance, with cost savings reinvested in further carbon reduction initiatives.

Comprehensive Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving (SAFED) training for all operators has reduced fuel consumption by up to 15%, improved driver safety, and reduced accidents.

Operational continuity during the transition to an electric fleet was maintained by short-term electric

vehicle rental, and support with the development of scalable charging infrastructure has been provided, which is designed to enable future expansion.

DriveElectric’s expertise with the transition to electric vehicles supports KAD’s Net Zero ambitions, creating a fit-for-purpose and sustainable fleet for the future.

This achievement also directly 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.