R Swain and Sons has put a new Volvo FM Electric 4×2 tractor unit into operation, working exclusively on its contract with CPI Books.
The haulier currently supplies CPI with a transport and delivery solution for 120,000 tonnes of printed materials annually.
The FM Electric was supplied by MC Truck & Bus, and works out of CPI’s depot in Lordswood, in Kent, covering about 100 miles per day across the south east, before returning to base to charge overnight on a newly-installed 43kW AC charger.
The electric supply comes from 100 per cent renewable energy at CPI’s base.
Replacing a diesel truck in the firm’s delivery fleet, it is projected to save about 75 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Powered by three electrical motors which generate 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, the FM Electric is equipped with the maximum six batteries.
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.
Supplied via a five-year agreement from Volvo Financial Services, the FM is backed by a full Volvo Gold contract which covers all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
James Wyatt, Group Operations Director, The Swain Group, said: “Electric trucks are here now and can work, commercially, very well on certain applications.
“We’ve worked closely with CPI and Volvo to get this electric tractor unit into operation, and it has been a huge success.”
