How DLR operator electrified four years ahead of schedule

KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) will operate a fully electric fleet by the end of 2025, meeting its Transport for London (TfL) requirement four years ahead of schedule. The joint-venture DLR operator has replaced all petrol and diesel vans and cars with EVs through a coordinated transition supported by Ford and DriveElectric.

As part of its eight-year TfL contract, KAD was set a five-year deadline to electrify. It has now deployed 39 electric vans and six electric cars, covering everything from standard crew vans to historically challenging categories such as tail-lift vehicles, dropsides and flatbeds.

Ford supplied the full line-up — Puma Gen-E, E-Tourneo, and E-Transit / E-Transit Custom variants — allowing KAD to roll out Ford Pro telematics across the fleet for stronger real-time oversight. DriveElectric supported operations during the switchover with short-term EV rentals.

Richard Graham, managing director at KAD, said: “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.”

To mitigate grid constraints at two London sites, KAD has also piloted solar-backed charging and battery storage, including at its Beckton depot.

Ford’s Liam Bone said the project shows “the strength of collaboration… to help deliver the right fleet solution”.

The transition supports KAD’s Net Zero objectives and aligns with the Mayor of London’s decarbonisation plans.

Explore Ford’s fleet offering — part of FleetWise’s 100 Trusted Brands — at: https://www.fleetwise.services/products/ford-uk

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