News Release: Volante and John Palmer Carpets strengthen fleet operations through diesel and electric contract hire partnership with Vertellus

Vertellus, the OEM-backed full-service commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet management specialist, has strengthened its partnership with independent flooring distributor Volante and sister company John Palmer Carpets through a comprehensive five-vehicle contract hire agreement spanning both diesel and electric commercial vehicles.

Selected for its consultative approach, Vertellus provided Volante with support at every stage, combining vehicle funding, fleet management expertise and manufacturer-backed support to deliver the right solution for each application.

The partnership includes an electric Renault Trucks D16 E-Tech rigid, secured on a 5-year contract hire agreement following a successful trial through the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme, alongside two Renault Trucks D16 diesel rigids and two Renault Trucks Master E-Tech electric vans, all entering service on 5-year contract hire agreements. The fleet is further complemented by an existing Renault Trucks D16 diesel rigid operated by John Palmer Carpets.

From its Chessington site, Volante operates a fleet of HGVs and LCVs delivering carpets, carpet tiles, vinyl flooring, adhesives, underlays and accessories to customers across the UK. Vehicles typically complete between 10 and 20 deliveries per day, with routes varying according to demand, serving construction sites, hospitals, universities, commercial premises and residential customers across London and the South East.

By taking a dual energy approach, Volante can maintain its operational flexibility while gaining valuable hands-on experience with electric vehicle technology. Having successfully trialled and integrated the Renault Trucks E-Tech vehicles into its delivery operation, the business has developed a clearer understanding of where electrification can support its routes, customers and future sustainability ambitions, providing a strong foundation for future fleet planning.

The partnership began through Vertellus’ EV Discovery Programme, which enabled Volante to trial a Renault Trucks E-Tech D in live customer operations. Designed to de-risk fleet decarbonisation, the 12-month programme provides operators with real-world operational data and expert support, helping them understand where electric vehicles can deliver genuine operational and commercial value before making longer-term fleet investment decisions.

As part of the trial, Vertellus worked closely with Volante to analyse route profiles, payload requirements and delivery patterns across its operation. Vertellus worked with Volante and bodybuilder to specify a bespoke half-box, half-curtainsider body incorporating tail-lift access, providing the flexibility required for deliveries to construction sites, kerbside locations, commercial premises and residential customers.

Following the success of the trial, Volante elected to retain the vehicle under a long-term contract hire agreement and subsequently expanded its fleet package to include additional electric vans alongside new diesel rigids.

Rhian Burrell, Managing Director at Vertellus, said:

“Our focus is always on helping customers find the right vehicle solution for their operation, whether that’s diesel, electric or a combination of both. This partnership is a great example of how fleet decisions should be driven by operational requirements. While the EV Discovery Programme provided valuable insight into where electric vehicles could deliver value, the wider contract hire agreement reflects the importance of having the right mix of vehicles to support a demanding distribution business.

Volante and John Palmer Carpets operate in a fast-moving environment where reliability, uptime and flexibility are critical. By combining diesel and electric vehicles within a single fleet strategy, we’ve been able to provide a solution that supports their operational needs while giving them the confidence to explore opportunities for decarbonisation.”

Ricardo Calaca, General Manager, Sales, Operations and Distribution at Volante, said:

“When we first engaged with Vertellus, our priority was finding the right fleet solution for our business. The EV Discovery Programme gave us an opportunity to understand how electric vehicles could work within our operation, but just as importantly it helped us evaluate our wider fleet requirements.

What impressed us was Vertellus’ consultative approach. Rather than pushing a particular technology, they took the time to understand our routes, payloads, delivery schedules and operational challenges before recommending the right solution. The result is a fleet package that gives us the best of both worlds. Our diesel vehicles continue to provide the flexibility and capability our operation depends on every day, while the electric vehicles allow us to explore lower-carbon transport solutions in areas where they make operational sense.

Having a trusted partner that understands both technologies and can support us with funding, fleet management and ongoing operational advice has been invaluable.”

As an OEM-backed contract hire provider, Vertellus supports customers through every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, from fleet consultancy and vehicle specification through to funding, maintenance, compliance management and operational support.

With access to more than 3,500 vehicles from 2.7 to 44 tonnes, a nationwide network of over 60 approved partner locations and more than 1,000 OEM-trained technicians, Vertellus helps operators maximise vehicle uptime while planning for the future of commercial transport.

Rhian Burrell added:

“Many operators are still working out what their future fleet strategy looks like. The reality is that for most businesses, it won’t be a choice between diesel or electric overnight. It will be about finding the right balance based on operational requirements.

Our role is to provide the expertise, support and vehicle solutions that allow customers to make informed decisions with confidence. Whether they operate diesel, electric or mixed fleets, Vertellus is here to help them keep moving.”