Mitsubishi Electric has begun operating a new fleet of delivery vehicles to cope with increasing demand for its Ecodan air source heat pump.

Six new Renault trucks join the existing DAF-LF hybrid vehicle to speed delivery of the brand to renewable heating installers around the country.

The three 7.5 tonne and three 18 tonne trucks are all decked out in the Ecodan branding to help promote the heat pump’s energy saving and low carbon credentials.

“Now that the government’s plans for the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive have been announced, we are seeing a real growth in demand,” explained Graham Temple, marketing manager for the company’s heating systems division.

“This expansion of our fleet will allow us to ensure we can get our heat pumps out to our installers, especially in off-gas areas, where we are seeing significant interest.”

The fleet is operated by logistics specialist Norbert Dentressangle on behalf of Mitsubishi Electric and delivers the heat pumps to installers across the nation. Mitsubishi Electric has recently gained Associate Membership of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), a voluntary scheme in London for fleet operators and their associates. Norbert Dentressangle is also accredited under this scheme.

Its purpose is to raise the level of quality within fleet operations, and to demonstrate which operators are accomplishing its high standards. The aim of the funded, voluntary scheme is to ensure that fleet operators work lawfully and to best practice by meeting the FORS standard.

Mitsubishi Electric has also invested in a purpose-built exhibition vehicle which is currently touring Britain to take the renewable message out to housing associations and social housing providers, and Temple is confident that the combination of the exhibition van and the new trucks will help raise awareness on the roads.

“We are starting to see a significant increase in interest in renewable heating, especially from people looking to switch from oil and LPG and these vehicles will also increase our presence in the market as more and more people see them travelling around the country,” Mr Temple said.