Two new Volvo FM Electrics for Reed Boardall

The temperature controlled distribution company Reed Boardall has added two new 42-tonne Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units to its fleet. Reed Boardall runs an exclusively Volvo fleet of more than 200 vehicles, around a quarter of which are gas powered. Following route planning exercises, the new trucks will operate a local collection shuttle service bringing stock into Reed Boardall’s Boroughbridge site.

Stevland Town, managing director for transport at Reed Boardall, said: “Sustainability is an issue close to our hearts, hence why we’ve been so proactive in welcoming non-fossil fuel Volvos onto the fleet already. And, with electric technology progressing so rapidly, we were eager to introduce an electric model into the business at the earliest opportunity.

“Electric trucks are not a one-size-fits-all solution in our industry but there is potential to successfully deploy this technology within certain parameters. With Volvo’s help, we were able to quickly identify a suitable route and the early results we’ve seen have far surpassed our expectations as it has proved possible to get an efficient number of trips out of the batteries.”

Supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FMs are equipped with three electric motors which produce 666hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque. The tractor units have full air suspension and the Drive++ package which adds dual armrests, leather upholstery and electronic air conditioning.

Town added: “When we first told the drivers that they were moving into an electric truck, there wasn’t an entirely positive response. However, even after just a couple of days, they had all been totally converted. The feedback we’ve had is that they are a total pleasure to drive, so much so that they say they would not want to go back to driving a diesel truck. Volvo’s driver training was a big part of that success. Its team helped make the transition as smooth as possible and ensured we are operating these vehicles with maximum efficiency.”

Ian Middleton, managing director at Crossroads said: “Crossroads Truck and Bus has been supplying vehicles to Reed Boardall for circa 15 years, and it is a privilege to be alongside them as they embark on the next chapter of their sustainability journey. By being a leader and investing in making the shift by leveraging Volvo Trucks’ latest e-mobility technology, Reed Boardall has taken charge of the change.”