KeolisAmey Docklands to Electrify Fleet Four Years Ahead

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an inspiring leap towards sustainability, KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) is poised to electrify its entire car and van fleet by the end of this year—an impressive four years ahead of their initial timeline. This ambitious transition showcases KAD’s commitment to a greener future and sets a benchmark for other organisations aiming for net-zero emissions.

The newly established fleet will feature cutting-edge electric vehicles, including the Ford Puma Gen-E cars, E-Tourneo minibuses, and both E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans. This transition is not just about swapping petrol for electricity; it represents a significant shift in how transportation can be managed sustainably in urban environments.

KAD is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Docklands Light Railway network in London and is taking this bold step with the invaluable support of DriveElectric. Their electrification plans have been energised by a new eight-year contract with Transport for London (TfL), which commenced in April 2025. Under this agreement, TfL aims for all operators to transition to fully electric fleets within five years, aligning perfectly with KAD’s swift action to go electric by December 2025.

The transition is particularly notable given the challenges posed by a legacy fleet that relied heavily on petrol and diesel vehicles. To meet the demanding operational needs, KAD is replacing its traditional fleet with 39 electric vans and six electric cars. This includes specialist vehicles that have often been difficult to electrify, such as those equipped with tail-lifts and flatbeds, illustrating KAD’s dedication to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of sustainability.

Every vehicle in the new fleet has been supplied by Ford, a key partner in this sustainability initiative. The lineup not only includes the aforementioned cars and minibuses but also features variants with double cabs, tail-lifts, dropside flatbeds, racking, shelving, and ladder racks. The exclusive deal with Ford has enabled KAD to leverage Ford Pro telematics, which provides real-time insights that significantly enhance fleet visibility, efficiency, and overall performance.

This transition to electric vehicles is not merely an operational change; it aligns seamlessly with KAD’s net-zero ambitions. By establishing a fleet that is both fit for purpose and sustainable, KAD is poised to contribute positively to air quality for staff and local communities in East London. Moreover, the operational cost savings generated from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses will allow KAD to reinvest in future carbon reduction initiatives, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability.

Richard Graham, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Docklands, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Delivering a fully electric fleet over four years ahead of schedule is a testament to our team’s commitment and the strength of our partnerships with Ford and DriveElectric. We’re proud to champion sustainability, operational excellence, and community wellbeing in East London.”

Liam Bone, Regional Fleet Business Manager for Ford of Britain and Ireland, also highlighted the collaborative effort behind this project. He remarked, “By working closely with DriveElectric, we’ve delivered a fleet solution made up of our freshest-ever lineup that supports KeolisAmey Docklands’ transition to zero-emission vehicles, combining Ford’s product capability and versatility with DriveElectric’s expertise.”

During the transition period, DriveElectric has provided short-term electric vehicle rentals to ensure business continuity, demonstrating the importance of flexibility in such significant operational changes. KAD has also been proactive in exploring decentralised, clean energy infrastructure at two grid-constrained locations in London. This includes the installation of solar-powered chargers and battery storage at the Beckton depot, which enhances resilience against energy market volatility.

Adam Kemp, Sales Director at DriveElectric, concluded by emphasising the complexity of the project, stating, “This was a complex project, and finding the right product to meet demanding operational needs required real expertise. That’s where DriveElectric makes a difference. By partnering with Ford, we delivered the right solution and managed every stage of the transition with precision. The outcome is a fleet that keeps critical infrastructure moving, improves visibility through Ford Pro telematics, reduces downtime, and supports the customer’s sustainability goals.”

As we move towards a more sustainable future, KAD’s electrification of its fleet serves as a reminder that ambitious environmental goals can be achieved with the right partnerships and strategic planning. The successful transition not only contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions but also enhances the quality of life for those living and working in the areas served by the Docklands Light Railway.

In conclusion, the electrification of KeolisAmey Docklands’ fleet is an inspiring model for other transport operators and organisations. It showcases the power of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to sustainability in action. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by climate change, let this initiative serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all to embrace sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives.

Stay tuned with Net Zero News for more updates on electrification, sustainability initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to combat climate change across various sectors. Together, we can build a greener, cleaner future for generations to come.