Family-owned Fox Group has introduced two new Volvo FE Electric tippers into its fleet.
Both Volvo FE Electric 6×2 rigids are plated at 27-tonnes – one tonne more than a standard three-axle rigid – which helps to offset the additional weight of the batteries.
Mounted with Thompsons tipper bodywork, they will operate primarily on local contracts, moving materials to and from construction sites, before returning to the company’s depot on the Enterprise Business Park in Leyland each night to be recharged.
They offer a range of about 150 km on a full charge from their four battery packs, taking into account PTO usage.
The FE Electric powertrain consists of two electric motors and a two-speed gearbox, with power being generated by an electric motor with an output of 400 kW.
Fox Group also used the manufacturer’s Electric Range Simulator – which considers multiple factors about a customer’s operation, including payload, routes, driving hours and charging infrastructure – to determine the optimal specification for the vehicles.
They are backed by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which includes preventative maintenance and repairs, and the monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components.
Thomas Hardie Commercials has also provided Fox Group with specific EV driver training.
Paul Fox, Managing Director of the Blackpool-based business, said: “This purchase marks the start of the electrification of our fleet.
“We believe if the country is serious about substantially reducing carbon emissions, the construction sector needs to join the party – and we are proud to be playing our part and leading from the front.”
