Boroughbridge, UK: Reed Boardall has added two new 42-tonne Volvo FM Electric 4×2 tractors to its fleet. The trucks , supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus, join an all Volvo 200 vehicle, quarter of which are gas-powered trucks – the FM Electrics will work together to create a 24/7 zero-tailpipe emission operation. The new trucks will operate a local collection shuttle, bringing stock store at Reed Boardall’s Boroughbridge site.
Stevland Town, managing director – transport, Reed Boardall, says: “Sustainability is an issue close to our hearts, hence why we’ve been so proactive in welcoming non-fossil fuel Volvos onto the fleet already. And, with electric technology progressing so rapidly, we were eager to introduce an electric model into the business at the earliest opportunity.
“Electric trucks are not a one-size-fits-all solution in our industry but there is potential to successfully deploy this technology within certain parameters. With Volvo’s help, we were able to quickly identify a suitable route and the early results we’ve seen have far surpassed our expectations as it has proved possible to get an efficient number of trips out of the batteries.”
The FM Electrics have three electrical motors, generating an output of 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox. Traction control helps manage power output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
“When we first told the drivers that they were moving into an electric truck, there wasn’t an entirely positive response,” adds Town. “However, even after just a couple of days, they had all been totally converted. The feedback we’ve had is that they are a total pleasure to drive, so much so that they say they would not want to go back to driving a diesel truck.
“Volvo’s driver training was a big part of that success. Its team helped make the transition as smooth as possible and ensured we are operating these vehicles with maximum efficiency.”
