Harrods has added a Nissan e-NV200 to its delivery fleet, more than 100 years after the department store first used an electric vehicle.

The e-NV200 covers a range of up to 106 miles on a single charge. According to Nissan, this will enable it to make around 50 deliveries per week covering an average of around 150 miles, meaning Harrods will only need to charge it once a week. Nissan also claims the running costs could be as low as 2p per mile.

Harrods first adopted EVs for deliveries in the early 20^th century. In 1919, the department store used solid-tyred American Walker electric vans, later building its own fleet of 60 electric vehicles. The rise of the petrol engine eventually squeezed them out, but the new e-NV200 marks the return of the EV to the fleet.

“Harrods was one of the first companies in the UK to develop an all-electric commercial fleet, introducing our first electric vehicle over 100 years ago,” said Guy Cheston, media sales director at Harrods. “Electric technology has developed rapidly since our old fleet was in operation, and is now a far more sustainable transport solution.”

“It’s wonderful to see an electric Harrods van on the roads of London again. As one of Britain’s largest established department stores, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and mitigating our environmental footprint. As part of our carbon and energy management policy, we have identified transportation as a key area where we can make a real impact.”

The 100 per cent electric van has been customised specifically for Harrods, with the load space fully refrigerated to facilitate grocery deliveries. The van has also been decked out in Harrods’ distinctive green and gold livery.