Big Issue Group and Citroën have announced a three-year partnership that will see the company supply the magazine group with a fleet of electric light commercial vehicles.
Big Issue’s fleet currently covers 350,000 miles a year, carrying over two million magazines to 3,300 vendors across the UK.
The first electric vans will be in use in Bristol, Bath, Bournemouth, Norwich and Newcastle on August 15.
The Big Issue said that with many cities now becoming clean air zones and charging older vehicles to move through city centers to reduce pollution, the partnership has come at a crucial time.
Laurentiu Lukacs, who sells the magazine in Bristol, said: “It’s good that the business is starting to become greener for the planet.
“My customers love when the magazine covers political issues – so I think they’ll be happy that we’re starting to use electric vehicles.”
Russell Blackman, Chief Commercial Officer of Big Issue Group, said: “Citroën’s industry-leading approach to electric vehicle innovation and affordability is exactly why they are the perfect partner to work with Big Issue. Group.
“Our partnership will allow us to make even greater strides in the support and services we provide to the most marginalized people across the country. In cities and remote rural areas, we will be able to respond quickly when our suppliers need us most.
“It’s a great demonstration of how two great brands are working together, driving change for good.”
Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “We are delighted to partner with Big Issue Group in their important work ‘Changing Lives Through Business’, and in particular to support their transition to the electric vehicles so they can become more sustainable.
“Big Issue Group is a fantastic organization that has been working to improve people’s lives for over 30 years by providing work opportunities – a helping hand, not a handout is a philosophy we can certainly embrace.”
Hattie Greenyer, Big Issue South East Frontline Manager, said: “Having reliable vans is so important to us and getting these e-LCVs through our new leasing partnership with Citroën will help us achieve this. more locations for help desks and to increase the number of locations we can reach in a day.
“That means we’re helping more vendors sell more magazines and being able to provide more of the day-to-day support they need. »