Insulation supplier Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining has taken delivery of two Volvo FE Electric 6×2 rigids as part of the business’ continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
The new arrivals are direct replacements for similarly sized diesel trucks.
Supplied by Hartshorne Group, they join a 90-strong commercial vehicle fleet, which already features an electric van while the company also operates a totally electric forklift fleet across its 15 branches.
The company’s new Volvo FE Electrics have been specified with the maximum four batteries, offering an approximate driving range of 190km, while the trucks can be recharged in 2.3 hours using a 150kW DC charger.
They are powered by two electric motors and benefit from a two-speed transmission.
Power is handled by a traction control system developed to master slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
The trucks have been placed in two of the customer’s depots, with one vehicle due to service local deliveries in and around Sheffield and the other operating around Birmingham.
Backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, covering all maintenance and repairs, and including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components, the trucks are expected to work five days a week and are anticipated to be on the fleet for five years.
Wayne Allen, Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining’s Northern Compliance Manager, said: “The trucks’ arrival will make an immediate impact in reducing our carbon footprint, while also extending the environmental benefits of electric trucking to our customers too.”
