London, UK: Tesco has added a new Volvo FM Electric 4×2 tractor, the first zero emission 40-tonne electric Volvo model to be delivered into service with a UK supermarket.
“The arrival of this fully electric 40-tonne Volvo tractor unit is a first for Tesco and another exciting milestone for our delivery fleet, which directly supports our ambitious sustainability targets,” said
Cliff Smith, fleet engineering manager, Tesco.
The new FM with Globetrotter cab meets the Direct Vision Standard three-star rating and will operate with various trailer types and lengths delivering to stores in the southeast.
Christian Coolsaet, managing director, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “Our new Volvo FM Electric is the perfect solution for performing high-capacity grocery deliveries with less environmental impact, and it’s fantastic to see the first example enter service with Tesco. This model is ideal for supermarket fleets wanting to transition to battery electric trucks, and we’re very confident it’s going to generate a lot of interest on the road.”
The FM Electric is powered by three electric motors, generating 2,400Nm of torque. These motors are paired with Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox, all managed by a traction control system.
Smith said: “We don’t allocate vehicles to specific routes, so it is imperative any new truck can immediately slot into our workflow and tackle any assignment effectively. We’re confident the FM Electric will do just that, making a seamless transition into our day-to-day operations.
It’s without doubt the cleanest, greenest and quietest tractor unit we have on the fleet, and it comes backed by a whole suite of connected services to make the transition to electric vehicles easier, including live positioning with real-time energy status.”
• In Ireland, Dixon International Logistics has taken four new Volvo FH Electric 4×2 tractors. Irish Commercials supplied the vehicles.
