Neill & Brown Global Logistics in East Yorkshire is trialling its first electric truck for local deliveries covering Hull postcodes.

The Hessle-based operator has taken on an 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D rigid from contract hire firm Vertellus.

The three-month trial programme also includes installation of a DC charger at its operating centre.

Michael Organ, fleet manager, said: “The electric truck is doing the work we would normally do with one of our 18 tonne rigids; it’s out by 7am and back on charge by 3pm, delivering two or three palletised loads a day.

“It’s a very smooth drive, and quiet too, with less noise and vibrations. It’s doing what it says on the tin.”

Peter Brown, Neill & Brown CEO explained: “Reducing our environmental impact is a priority, not only for our business but also for our customers who need to demonstrate decarbonisation in the supply chain.

“So we need to make considered commercial decisions to minimise our fleet’s carbon footprint, and the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme is allowing us to evaluate an electric truck under real world conditions without the risks and commitment of purchasing a vehicle over the long term.”

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