Egis Lagan Services Adds All-Electric Volvo FM Low Entry To Lower Emissions & Enhance Safety
Motorway maintenance provider Egis Lagan Services recently acquired a new battery-electric Volvo FM Low Entry to support its work on the TII’s motorway and high-speed dual carriageway road network. It is the first all-electric Volvo FM Low Entry truck in service in Ireland. The zero-tailpipe-emission truck runs nearly silently and provides excellent visibility, with a five-star Direct Vision Standard rating for the driver.
The electric FM will be used as an impact protection vehicle as Egis Lagan Services carries out maintenance work on the M8 and will be based out of the Cahir depot, where it will charge between shifts.
Lowering Environmental Impact
“Over the past few years, we have been looking at an increasing number of alternative fuel vehicles to meet the company’s aim of reducing transport-related emissions, and this is the latest part of that project,” says Peter Csabai, winter service and maintenance manager, Egis Lagan Services. “Before placing the order, we had two electric trucks from different manufacturers on demonstration for two weeks. The Volvo came out as the clear winner.
“By putting this zero-tailpipe emission truck into a real-world trial, we will help TII’s sustainability goals in terms of carbon reduction, which are in line with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Ultimately, the ambition is to keep the truck in service for between 10 to 15 years, replacing a diesel truck, and eliminating those resulting emissions.”
About The Volvo Electric FM Low Entry
The FM Low Entry 4x2 has a flatbed body designed for traffic management with a rear crash cushion. Four traction batteries provide a total of 360 kilowatt-hours and a 200-kilometre (124-mile) range. The batteries can recharge in 8.5 hours with an AC charger or in just 1.5 hours with a DC charger. The Volvo Dynamic Steering system eases steering and reduces vibrations.
The cab can be configured for only a driver, one passenger, or up to three passengers, enabling the FM Low Entry to be used in a variety of job types.
Protecting The Crew
Egis Lagan Services chose the 3-passenger seat configuration, which places passenger seats in the back of the cab out of view of the driver to minimise blind spots. The truck will work on a 100-km (62-mi) stretch of the M8 from Urlingford to Fermoy.
“The crew cab design was essential for our needs,” adds Csabai. “Our operatives are working in live lane situations and must always get out on the non-traffic side of the road, which can change depending on which lane is closing. Any vehicle that has a middle console would be an unsuitable obstruction.”
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