Sparks Transport has acquired a Volvo FM Electric truck after a successful period trialling its local Volvo dealer’s electric demonstrator.
The new vehicle, supplied by Truck and Bus Wales and West, will be mainly used by the Glastonbury-based haulier to deliver Refresco beverages to Tesco stores.
It is powered by three electrical motors which generate 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, and equipped with the maximum six batteries, unlocking a driving range of about 300 km.
An onboard electromobility traction control system helps manage output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
It has a charging time of 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.
The vehicle also utilises Volvo’s standard I-Shift gearbox, which constantly evaluates information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand.
A five-year Volvo Gold Contract will cover all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
The FM Electric joins a commercial fleet of 93, and, working up to six days a week, is expected to complete 90,000 kms per year.
Jonathan Sparks, Managing Director, Sparks Transport, said: “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 team at Truck and Bus Wales and West has worked diligently on this project to help us pinpoint exactly where electric trucking can work for us, and the demonstrator proved that.”
