![Mercedes-Benz_eActros_600_(1)[1]](https://d2cohhpa0jt4tw.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/8/1/8/17818_mercedesbenz_eactros_600_11_556244.jpg)
DP World has successfully trialled three electric vehicles under the Project Jolt initiative, which it joined three months ago.
The three electric trucks were the Scania G230E truck and the Mercedes e-Actros 300, which was upgraded to the e-Actros 600 in the final 3 weeks.
Project Jolt is a research project looking at the commercial viability of electric trucks. It is driven by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and is made up of 15 fleet operators, four manufacturers, a charge point operator and three enablers.
DP World trial saw over 170 runs made, amounting to 24,000 kilometres.
Tim Mitchell, DP World transport controller, devised some simple metrics on battery charging to eliminate range anxiety. He said he was “delighted” with the performance of the trucks as they made daily shuttles of 115 kilometres from Swindon to Oxford and back.
Following the trial, DP World and its customer have carried out a strategic review on the commercial opportunity to permanently electrify this route.
The company said that, although the cost of the electric truck is still high, the likely cost of electricity will create a favourable total cost of ownership compared to diesel and then of course there are the huge environmental gains.
Dave Munday, DP World transport operations manager, said: “Project Jolt has provided us with the intelligence, knowledge and confidence in our 12 week trial to be comfortable in operating an electric fleet”.
Professor David Cebon of the University of Cambridge and Project Jolt project director, said: “Our research on battery performance is crucial to the ultimate findings on electrification and will help determine the residual value of electric trucks.”
Evyve, the charge point operator, is providing high powered charging infrastructure and energy solutions for the initiative and subsequent roll outs.
Chief executive James Moat, said:“This is an exciting time in terms of all parties being able to evaluate how charging infrastructure and eHGVs perform in an operational environment. Evyve is pleased to be collaborating with Project Jolt to find practical solutions to these issues.”
DP World initiative leader, Francis Dawson, added: “The benefits of testing the trucks live have been enormous.
“We have given all our drivers on this route the chance to experience electric and the comments have all been highly complimentary.
“However, the real boost is the knowledge that we can move forward with our net zero targets.”
