KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), the operator and maintainer of London’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR), has achieved a landmark sustainability milestone as it transitions its entire car and van fleet to electric vehicles—four years ahead of Transport for London’s (TfL) original deadline. With support from DriveElectric and Ford, KAD will operate a fully electric fleet by December 2025, marking a decisive shift toward cleaner, more efficient transport operations across East London.
A Rapid Transition Under a New TfL Contract
KAD’s new eight-year contract with TfL, which began in April 2025, includes a target to fully electrify its operational fleet within five years. Yet KAD has moved significantly faster: 62% of the electric fleet is already in service, and full deployment is on track for completion by the end of 2025.
Replacing a legacy mix of petrol and diesel vehicles, the new fleet comprises 39 electric vans and 6 electric cars—including several specialised models that have historically been difficult to electrify, such as tail-lift vans and flatbed variants. DriveElectric provided short-term EV rentals throughout the transition, ensuring uninterrupted operations for the DLR network.
A Single-Manufacturer Strategy With Ford
All vehicles in the new fleet are supplied exclusively by Ford, including:
- Puma Gen-E electric cars
- E-Tourneo minibuses
- E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans
- Specialist variants with double cabs, tail lifts, dropside flatbeds, racking, shelving, and ladder racks
Using one manufacturer has enabled seamless integration of Ford Pro telematics, delivering real-time data across the fleet. Insights from the system enhance operational visibility, optimise routes and charging, and help minimise downtime—all crucial for a transport system that keeps East London moving.
Richard Graham, Managing Director at KAD, highlights the significance of the achievement:
“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. We’re proud to champion sustainability, operational excellence and community wellbeing in East London.”
Cost Savings and Cleaner Air for East London
Beyond its environmental benefits, KAD’s transition to electric vehicles has generated substantial fuel and maintenance cost savings, freeing up funds for future carbon-reduction initiatives. With zero tailpipe emissions, the fleet is contributing to improved air quality for both staff and surrounding communities.
Tom Page, General Manager at Docklands Light Railway Limited (DLRL), praised the collaborative effort behind the rollout:
“The project demonstrates the impact of close collaboration between DLRL, KAD, and our industry partners. By working together, we’re driving real progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for London’s transport network.”
Strengthening Energy Resilience With Clean Infrastructure
To support the growing EV fleet, KAD has explored decentralised clean energy solutions across two grid-constrained sites. At the Beckton depot, solar-powered chargers and on-site battery storage bolster energy resilience and offer protection against volatile electricity prices—positioning KAD as a leader in sustainable fleet operations for urban transport networks.
Ford, DriveElectric and KAD: A Model for Future Fleet Transitions
Ford’s involvement has ensured that even the most complex operational needs—from heavy-duty flatbeds to bespoke conversions—could be met within the electrification timeframe.
Liam Bone, Regional Fleet Business Manager at Ford of Britain and Ireland, commented:
“By working closely with DriveElectric, we’ve delivered a fleet solution made up of our freshest-ever line-up that supports KeolisAmey Docklands’ transition to zero emission vehicles.”
For DriveElectric, the project exemplifies the value of specialist EV expertise.
Adam Kemp, Sales Director at DriveElectric, adds:
“This was a complex project, and finding the right product to meet demanding operational needs required real expertise. By partnering with Ford, we delivered the right solution and managed every stage of the transition with precision.”
Driving London Toward Net Zero
KAD’s all-electric fleet reinforces its own Net Zero commitments while directly supporting the Mayor of London’s Clean Air and Net Zero targets. The achievement sets a new benchmark for sustainable fleet management in the light-rail sector—demonstrating what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility align.
With its zero-emission fleet, smart telematics integration and investment in clean infrastructure, KeolisAmey Docklands is not only future-proofing its operations but also helping to shape a cleaner, healthier London for years to come.
