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Engineering vehicles & heavy plant
Engineering vehicles & heavy plantConstruction Plant and Vehicle Electrification

Sunbelt Rentals Fleet Electrification Programme

UK-wide · Ongoing (Target to reduce carbon emissions by at least 35% by 2030)

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

Sunbelt Rentals is making a substantial commitment to decarbonize its extensive plant and vehicle fleet, aligning with broader industry sustainability goals. This program involves strategic investments in electric and hybrid technologies, from vans to heavy construction equipment, and aims to provide customers with lower-carbon alternatives. The initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental responsibility and positions Sunbelt Rentals as a leader in sustainable equipment rental.

Key engineering challenges

Integrating diverse electric and hybrid vehicles and plant into a large-scale rental fleet. - Developing charging infrastructure and energy management solutions across numerous depots and project sites. - Overcoming challenges related to battery range, charging times, and power demands of heavy equipment.

Project facts

Client / owner
Sunbelt Rentals
Lead contractor
Sunbelt Rentals
Lead designers
Not applicable (fleet management and procurement)
Project type
vehicle/fleet programme | upgrade
Scale
Expanding electric and hybrid solutions for light, medium, and heavy-duty transportation fleets; includes electric vans (e.g., LEVC VN5), battery storage units, and electric off-road construction equipment.
Disciplines
mechanical; electrical; environmental engineering; logistics
Standards & frameworks
UK government net-zero targets, environmental regulations, internal sustainability targets.

Sources: Sunbelt Rentals (https://www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk/news-and-blogs) - Sunbelt Rentals LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sunbelt-rentals_sunbelt-rentals-electric-fleet-activity-7061777101221216258-_sZa) - EV Powered (https://evpowered.co.uk/news/levc-partners-with-sunbelt-rentals-on-new-electric-van-fleet/) - Sunbelt Rentals Sustainability Report (https://ir.sunbeltrentals.com/_assets/_9e286c86847803e1180566458d2f7d1a/sunbeltrentals/db/3820/35079/pdf/2024-Ashtead-Group-plc-Sustainability-Report.pdf)