Scotland's Chivas Brothers raises a toast to first electric HGV

Scottish whisky producer Chivas Brothers has put into service one of the country’s first all-electric tractor units in partnership with Volvo Trucks.

The FM Electric 6x2 pulling a tri-axle box van trailer is capable of hauling around 24 tonnes of whisky and will cover between 250 and 300 miles a day, clocking up around 62,000 miles each year.

The delivery of the electric HGV is part of a pilot programme being managed by Chivas Brothers’ haulage partner, McPherson, to understand how electrification can benefit heavy trucks.

Chivas Brothers said the vehicle would cut its carbon emissions by 155 tonnes and contribute towards Scotland’s goal of achieving net zero by 2045.

The pilot is expected to run for an initial two-year period and the truck’s range, uptime, safety and operational ease of use will be assessed to determine the viability for a wider rollout.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, chair and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are a proudly Scottish business and feel a deep responsibility to further the sustainability agenda, not only in whisky but for Scotland at large.

“While it is a true first for both, enabling us to progress towards a sustainable future for Scotch, innovating in electrification stands to benefit industries well beyond our own.”