General Post Office Smiths Mailvan

The General Post Office (GPO) and later Royal Mail, has bought battery-electric powered tractors and station trucks since 1923. Electric road vehicles, however, have never got beyond the experimental stage. Victor Electric and Electromobile supplied 10 in 1929. All were vans for parcel delivery and collection in London. 3 more followed, of different makes, between 1933-5. 9 more were ordered in 1941 from Metropolitan-Vickers. They were used for parcel delivery and mail collection from branch post offices in the Manchester area.

In 1967 a prototype electric postal van was supplied by Morrison-Electricar. To experiment further, 10 more arrived in 1969, 5 from the same builder and 5 from Smiths Electric Vehicles. Mainly for parcels work, the internal shelves could be folded back, making it possible to use the van for other duties if necessary. After experimental testing in different locations, they were mainly used in just two areas after 1976. WVK 109H was one of a trio latterly based in Doncaster. It could run for about 40 miles before the battery needed re-charging.

Preservation

It remained in service until 1989 and was then donated to the Museum by the Royal Mail. The chassis and body were restored and the vehicle repainted in 2006-7.