J Murphy and Sons buys FUSO Canters to avoid ULEZ charges and save fuel

John Murphy and Sons has purchased a fleet of FUSO Canter Tippers with diesel-electric drivelines to avoid Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges and cut fuel costs.

The company said that the 20 Eco Hybrids, supplied by Mercedes-Benz dealer Bell Truck and Van, would save it from paying London's ULEZ charges of £100 a day per non-compliant HGV.

The switch is also expected to cut the firm's fuel bills by up to 23% compared to conventional diesel equivalents.

Read more

• Wincanton boss sings praises of Fuso eCanter
• UPS named first commercial partner for Fuso eCanter electric truck
• Daimler launches all-electric Fuso eCanter truck in New York

The FUSO Canter Eco Hybrid is powered by 150hp diesel engine, working in parallel with a 54hp electric motor. The vehicle uses electric power from stationary before switching to a combination of diesel and electric power once it reaches 6 mph.

The 20-strong fleet will be used by J Murphy subsidiary Murphy Plant.

Compliance manager Richard Burnham said: “We ordered the Eco Hybrids because we wanted to future-proof ourselves not only against the ULEZ, but also against other emissions-based restrictions that might be coming further down the line.”