Reliable service vehicles are essential for utility providers operating across island networks, where fast response times and efficient on-site working make a significant difference. In this case study, we supported an overseas utility company in the Caribbean with the supply and export of two highly customised electric works vans, designed specifically for their electrical maintenance teams.
The project required careful vehicle procurement, specialist conversion management, and international logistics coordination to deliver a practical, long-term fleet solution.
Project Brief
The customer required a pair of compact, fully equipped electric works vans capable of supporting field electricians across multiple service locations. Key requirements included:
- Supply of two fully electric Nissan e-NV vans
- Professional-grade internal storage and organisation
- External roof carrying capability for long materials and conduit
- A durable, lightweight solution to maximise vehicle efficiency
Key Challenges
This project presented several challenges that required fast action and strong supplier relationships.
1. Discontinued Base Model
The requested Nissan electric van model had been discontinued across Europe, significantly limiting availability.
2. Limited Remaining Stock
Only a small number of vehicles remained in dealer networks, meaning rapid sourcing was essential to secure suitable units before they were no longer available.
3. Specialist Conversion Requirements
The customer required a highly organised, lightweight internal storage system to support daily operational efficiency. This type of niche conversion required experienced providers and premium-quality equipment.
Sourcing the Vehicles
Through our established dealer network, we successfully secured the remaining available stock of the required Nissan electric vans from a UK dealership. Acting quickly ensured the customer could obtain their preferred vehicle specification despite the model’s discontinuation.
This stage highlights the importance of proactive vehicle procurement, particularly when sourcing discontinued or low-availability models for overseas projects.
Professional Conversion and Fit-Out
To meet the customer’s operational needs, we coordinated a full conversion using Sortimo, one of the leading systems for professional commercial vehicle storage. Installation was completed by an authorised UK distributor and specialist fitter.
The bespoke configuration included:
- Raised flooring system with integrated rear drawers
- Additional drawer units accessible from both left-hand and right-hand side doors
- Full-length shelving on the right-hand side, with bins and drawers facing outward for easy roadside access
- A single rear shelf on the left-hand side, leaving clear access through the left side door for equipment handling
- Installation of a 3-bar roof rack system
- Addition of a roof-mounted pipe tube for transporting conduit and long materials safely
The lightweight design ensured durability without compromising vehicle range or payload capacity—an important consideration for electric commercial vehicles.
Export and Delivery
Once the conversions were completed and inspected, both vehicles were prepared for international transport. We arranged:
- Delivery to the UK port facility
- Secure loading into a single 40ft shipping container, helping to significantly reduce the customer’s overall landed vehicle costs.
- Export to the customer’s Caribbean destination
End-to-end coordination ensured the vehicles arrived safely, fully equipped, and ready for operational use.
Supporting Specialist Fleets Worldwide
This project demonstrates how careful planning, supplier coordination, and technical expertise can overcome supply limitations to deliver highly specialised and customised vehicles to remote markets.
From sourcing discontinued models and managing complex conversions to coordinating international logistics, we provide dependable fleet vehicle supply services that support organisations operating beyond standard supply regions with tailored fleet requirements.
