As orginally reported by our sister publication Commercial Motor, Nationwide Platforms has added two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units to its fleet of 170 vehicles. The trucks are thought to be the first in the UK that will be used in the powered access sector. Based across the company’s sites in Birmingham and Warrington the vehicles will be paired with step frame trailers to transport hire equipment.
James Clarke, haulage and logistics director at Nationwide Platforms, said: “Sustainability is a key driver for the business, and introducing our first battery electric trucks felt like the right thing to do. Volvo had the product that met our sustainability commitments, and it’s exciting to welcome these new electric models.”
The FM Electrics are part of a larger replacement fleet replacement programme. The order includes Volvo FM 8x2 rigids and FM 6x2 tractor units. The trucks were all supplied by Rory Kelly, transport solutions executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East’s Coventry depot.
Clarke said: “We need the electric trucks to cover up to 150 miles each day on the routes they’ll be working, whilst also providing enough power to drive our ancillary equipment. They’ve been spec’d to deliver that and more, with a comfortable margin of power in reserve at the end of the day before recharging in our depots overnight. We are confident they will slip into our operation seamlessly, whilst also turning heads out on the road.”
Three electrical motors give the FMs 666hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque. The trucks are equipped with Globetrotter cabs and the Drive++ package which includes dual armrests, leather upholstery, electronic air conditioning air quality sensors and a carbon filter.
Clarke added: “Given the size of vehicles and equipment on fleet, driving sustainability gains has always been easier said than done. Products such as the FM Electric are clearly a step in the right direction for the environment. There is huge potential in transitioning, where possible, to low and zero tailpipe emission heavy trucks and this is a very important step for us.”
