Fenn Logistics Moves Toward Eco-Friendly Transport With Volvo FM Electrics
Fenn Logistics, a Burton-on-Trent-based provider of transport, warehousing, and supply chain services, recently added two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units to its fleet. The FM Electrics will replace two diesel-powered trucks and will work exclusively under contract with one of the world's largest food and beverage manufacturers.
The electric lorries will make daily routes to move goods from the customer’s factory to its East Midlands Gateway distribution centre, where they will be prepped for nationwide delivery. The FM Electrics will pull double shifts to haul six loads during each 24-hour cycle, with a charging break between runs, and will log approximately 115,000 kilometres (71,460 miles) per year.
“For the last 18 months, more than half of our fleet has migrated to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel, and we are always looking at the latest technologies to deliver carbon savings for our customers,” says Gary Major, managing director at Fenn Logistics. “This first move to electric power is the next step of that process.
“It’s been a detailed project with Volvo to prove the concept,” Major continues. “We looked at the data and modelling to make sure we found the optimal application. It’s been very pleasing to get these two new FM Electrics onto the road, immediately helping our customer make big strides towards its sustainability targets.”
Safe, Comfortable, Efficient
The zero-emissions FMs are equipped with six batteries for a range of 300 km (186 mi). Each has three electrical motors that generate 666 horsepower (490 kilowatts) and 2,400 newton-metres (1,770 pounds-foot) of continuous torque. With DC charging, the trucks can recharge in just 2.5 hours. Operators have multiple drive modes to choose from, allowing them to control performance, comfort, and energy usage levels. The onboard electromobility traction control system aids operators on slick surfaces.
The trucks are fitted with spacious Globetrotter cabs, which, combined with the Volvo I-Shift gearbox, provide a smooth, quiet ride. The Camera Monitoring System, which replaces exterior mirrors, improves aerodynamics and visibility by widening the driver’s field of view, even in dark or adverse weather conditions.
“It’s still very early days, but the FM Electrics have made a strong initial impression as you would expect from a Volvo truck,” says Major. “We have actually taken on two new drivers who applied specifically to drive the electric trucks and hope this could be a pattern for the future, where drivers also look at matters such as the environment as part of their decision-making when selecting employers.”
Find Volvo Trucks For Sale
Explore TruckLocator.ie to find new and used Volvo trucks for sale, including FM models like the Volvo FM Electric.