An all electric ready-mix concrete mixer has completed a three-month trial of commercial deliveries across Birmingham, representing a “significant milestone” on the path to net zero construction.
The ‘e-mixer’, developed by Renault Trucks in partnership with Tarmac and TVS Interfleet, is the first of its kind to operate in Britain, with zero tailpipe emissions and the same average capacity as a conventional diesel vehicle.
The vehicle also boasts increased energy savings and has a longer lifespan compared to its traditional internal combustion engine counterparts.
It has been in operation at the company’s rail-fed Birmingham Plant at Washwood Heath, contributing to Tarmac’s large logistics network that includes more than 60 rail-connected sites across the UK.
As part of the e-mixer’s development, the partnership team created an entirely new digital operating system and improved safety measures. The truck also offers reduced noise and vibrations, while being eligible for free-of-charge operations in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone.
The vehicle forms part of Tarmac’s strategy to develop integrated low carbon logistics by offering decarbonised transport for the last mile of a construction project.
Ben Garner, Low Carbon Logistics Lead at Tarmac, said: “We have committed to being at the forefront of implementing low CO2 transport and logistics solutions, and the successful operation of this e-mixer is a significant milestone for both Tarmac and the UK construction sector.
“With the arrival of this new vehicle, we’re able to offer something completely new to the market and demonstrate that a fully integrated low carbon logistics model is possible.”
