A milk float is a battery electric vehicle (BEV), specifically designed for the delivery of fresh milk. The term is often also used for describing other vehicles such as light vans & trucks fitted with similar open bodies and a canopy that are used to deliver milk. They were once common in many European countries, particularly the United Kingdom, and were operated by local dairies.They took over in the early 20th century from the horse drawn carts that were used from the late 18oos to deliver milk. However, in recent years, as the number of supermarkets, small independent grocers and petrol stations stocking fresh milk has increased, most people have switched from having a regular daily home delivery to obtaining fresh milk from these other sources.