Lenham Storage has added two Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units to its fleet and said it was impressed with their battery life.

The zero-tailpipe emission FM trucks work throughout the day carrying out multi-drop deliveries mainly inside the M25 before returning to Lenham’s Maidstone depot to charge overnight on a 43kW AC charger.

Andrew Fulcher, transport operations director, said: “The response we’ve had from our drivers has been really positive.

“One of the guys has been with us for 23 years and he said the main thing he noticed when getting back in a diesel, after a few days driving the electric, was the noise and vibrations.

“It’s obviously a big change but the electrics are very nice to drive.

“Overall, we’re very happy with how they have settled in. The range is delivering everything we were promised so far and they are returning to the depot with plenty of life left in the battery.

“We’re keen to push them even further too with some more general haulage work,” he added.

Powered by three electrical motors which generate 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, each FM Electric is equipped with the maximum six batteries, providing a driving range of approximately 300 km.

Family-owned Lenham Storage was established in 1946 and today it operates a fleet of around 260 trucks and trailers from its two main sites in Maidstone and Andover.

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