Fenn Logistics has taken delivery of two Volvo FM Electric 4x2s, replacing two diesel powered units working for one of the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturers.
The company added that it had also taken on two new drivers who applied for jobs in order to drive the eHGVs.
The Burton-on-Trent haulier said it worked closely with its local Volvo Trucks dealer, Hartshorne Group, to calculate the exact routes that the electric trucks would be best suited for.
Gary Major, MD at Fenn Logistics, said: “For the last 18 months, more than half of our fleet has migrated to HVO fuel and we are always looking at the latest technologies to deliver carbon savings for our customers.
“This first move to electric power is the next step of that process.
“It’s been a detailed project with Volvo to prove the concept. We looked at the data and modelling to make sure we found the optimal application. It’s been very pleasing to get these two new FM Electrics onto the road, immediately helping our customer make big strides towards its sustainability targets.”
The two FM Electrics will operate on the same routes every day, transporting goods from the customer’s factory to its East Midlands Gateway distribution centre, before they go out for delivery nationwide.
The trucks will work double-shifts, moving six loads across a 24-hour cycle, with charging taking place between runs.
“I have been a strong supporter of the Volvo product for decades, and their help and guidance when we made the decision to go electric has proved invaluable,” added Major.
“It’s still very early days but the FM Electrics have made a strong initial impression as you would expect from a Volvo truck.
“We have actually taken on two new drivers who applied specifically to drive the electric trucks and hope this this could be a pattern for the future, where drivers also look at matters such as the environment as part of their decision making when selecting employers.”
Both FMs are expected to clock up approximately 115,000 km per year.
