Sparks Transport in Glastonbury is servicing Tesco stores using its first Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor unit following a successful trial.

Jonathan Sparks, Sparks Transport MD, said: “Sustainability is central to our business plan, so it is hugely exciting to be able to welcome our first heavy duty electric truck.

“We run a mixed fleet here, but Volvo was the only manufacturer that could provide us with an electric product that would fit seamlessly into our operations.”

The new FM Electric is powered by three electrical motors which generate 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque.

It is equipped with the maximum six batteries, which the manufacturer said provided a driving range of approximately 300 km.

It has a charging time of 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.

Volvo Trucks added that the battery can also be charged more quickly up to 80% capacity mid-shift, because the charger slows down towards the end of the process.

Providing both warehousing and distribution services, the new truck joins a 93-strong commercial fleet and is expected to complete 90,000 km annually.