Hawkins Logistics has taken delivery of two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units, supplied by Jason Woodley, area sales manager at Hartshorne Group.
These are the first electric tractors to join the 82-strong fleet, 40 of which are already Volvo trucks. The vehicles will be put to work covering around 250km daily on local deliveries and based out of the company’s Fradley depot.
Paul Hawkins, operations director at Hawkins Logistics, said: “In line with our commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are thrilled to unveil these Volvo FM Electric trucks, which will replace two existing diesel trucks. This significant investment not only underscores our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint but also empowers us to lead the charge towards a greener and more eco-conscious future for the logistics industry. Volvo has been a consistent brand in our fleet ever since the business was founded and they were always going to be our first choice when specifying our first-ever electric tractor units.”
The trucks have three electric motors that deliver 666hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox. An electromobility traction control system helps to manage power on slippery surfaces and different drive modes can be selected based on performance, comfort and efficiency. The vehicles have a range of around 300km and can be charged in 2.5 hours with 250kW DC charging, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.
Hawkins added: “Jason and the rest of the Hartshorne team proved an invaluable asset in helping us pinpoint exactly how and where Volvo’s electric technology could work within our fleet. We’ve already heard from many of our regular customers who are eager to welcome our new electric tractor units to their sites. We cannot wait to hit the road.”
The vehicles were specified with full air suspension, Globetrotter cabs and the A Drive++ package. Safety equipment includes forward collision warning with advanced emergency braking. The trucks are on a five-year Volvo Gold Contract which covers preventative maintenance, repairs and monitoring of the batteries and other critical components.
