Parts supplier Otto has switched many of its delivery vehicles to all electric power and Managing Director Barry McDowell believes the company is now starting to see great benefits, both in terms of financial savings and environmental responsibility.

In a video interview with YouTube channel, EV TV Ireland, Barry has discussed what made him consider the switch to all electric delivery vehicles and the impact it has had on the business. Barry explains that the first electric vehicle was introduced into the Otto fleet some two years ago with the addition of a Hyundai Ioniq. Since then other electric vehicles have been added including two BMWi3s, which have a shape, size and flexible design which make then well suited to the job.  

Barry says there was a combination of reasons for the electric vehicle introduction. These included the fact that parts are becoming less bulky, making them more suitable for electric powered delivery and that as the automotive world is moving towards electric power he felt operating electric delivery vehicles would offer something of an inside insight into these changes. However, the main driver was cost, not just in terms of fuel saving, but also significant savings on service and maintenance, with high mileage diesel vans often prone to mechanical problems.

Barry also makes the important point that electric vehicles have far less costly mechanical down time and also offer other practical benefits such as reduced toll charges and no BIK tax. Over all he also points out that although electric vehicles have a higher purchase price, they depreciate much slower, making them a sound investment.  

Otto now uses predominantly electric vehicles at it Tallaght base which has its own dedicated charging points. This means range is never an issue and Barry says that the Otto drivers prefer the electric driving experience.  

Although the Swords outlet still uses diesel vehicles, because it is not suited to charging points, and diesel vans are retained for heavier items, Barry believes the future of the Otto fleet definitely lies in electric. He is even investigating the possibilities of the technology in the future in terms of heavier vans and electric motorcycles.

You can view the EV TV Ireland video here.