Joseph Parr (Alco) has taken delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 6x2 rigid, thought to be the first electric heavy-duty truck working for a builders’ merchant in the UK. Based out of the company’s Bradford site, the FM Electric will be used for customer deliveries in the local area. The vehicle was funded in part by a grant from Bradford City Council. Volvo Connect fleet management will be used to track the truck’s impact on reducing emissions in Bradford’s clean air zone and surrounding areas.
Michael Beaumont, joint managing director at Joseph Parr (Alco), said: “Regulations across the industry are changing and we want to ensure we are ahead of the curve in terms of new green technologies. When the decision was made to go down the electric route, Volvo Trucks was the obvious choice. We had one Volvo on the fleet already and they are clearly leading the way when it comes to electric.”
Supplied by Jason Robinson, area sales manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FM Electric replaces a diesel model. The truck is equipped with four batteries to optimise range and payload capacity to suit Joseph Parr’s deliveries. It has a 5,200mm wheelbase, rear steer tag axle and a Palfinger BM 26 crane. Two electric motors offer 450hp and the vehicle can operate up to 28-tonnes gross vehicle weight.
Beaumont said: “Despite the additional weight of the batteries, we actually see a slight payload advantage over the traditional 26-tonne diesel trucks we run. That was an important factor as we are pretty much up to full weight every time our trucks go out.”
Depot charging will take place overnight using a new 43kW AC charger. Joseph Parr opted for a five-year Volvo Gold Contract which will be taken care of by the local dealership in Birstall. The FM has a day cab, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, chassis side skirts and two roof amber beacons.
