Knowles Logistics Advances Sustainability Efforts With New Volvo FM Electric Tractor Units
Warehousing and distribution specialist Knowles Logistics has replaced three diesel trucks in its fleet with Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units, which it expects will save 260,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually. The Wimblington, Cambridgeshire, company pairs each truck with a triaxle curtainside trailer to move payloads 24/7 for customer Princes Group, one of Europe’s largest food and drink groups.
Knowles Logistics Managing Director Alex Knowles says fast charging of the truck’s batteries results in only short stops for drivers to recharge.
“What’s more, by carefully planning our loading configuration, we can take full advantage of being able to operate at 42 tonnes on five axles,” he says. “This is a weight-critical application, and we’re pretty much hitting the same payload figures as a diesel truck achieves.”
Not A Company First
The FM Electrics aren’t Knowles’ first foray into using electric vehicles. In 2023, it acquired a 19-t (21-U.S.-ton) Volvo FE Electric rigid truck. That vehicle’s performance in local multi-drop pallet work gave Knowles Logistics confidence that electric trucks were a good fit for the right kinds of routes.
The company expects the new FM Electrics to clock up to 80,000 kilometres (49,700 miles) per year running payloads from Princes’ manufacturing sites in Long Sutton and Wisbech to its warehousing facilities. Knowles generates 15% of the 100% clean energy the trucks use via on-site solar panels and charges them using a 150-kilowatt fast charger.
“As one of the fastest growing transport providers in the country, this is a great milestone on our sustainability journey,” says Knowles. “This latest investment is a clear demonstration of how we work with customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their logistics operations.
The Volvo FM Electric
Customers can equip the FM Electric with two to six batteries to match their specific range and payload requirements. Six batteries provide up to 540 kilowatt-hours for a range of roughly 300 km (186 mi). Three electric motors combine to generate 490 kW (657 horsepower) and 2,400 newton-metres (1,770 pounds-foot) of continuous torque.
In addition to receiving tailored coaching for its driver trainers, Knowles Logistics benefits from Volvo Connect. The truck fleet management system allows the company to monitor the trucks' performance and driver efficiency and receive customised reporting of likely areas of improvement to boost fleet productivity and energy efficiency.
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Source: Volvo