Electric whiskey deliveries begin in Scotland with Chivas Brothers

Top Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers, known for brands like Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet, has made a significant stride in sustainable transportation by partnering with Volvo Trucks to introduce Scotland's first on-road all-electric tractor unit.

The Volvo FM Electric 6x2 tractor unit, accompanied by a tri-axle box van trailer, has been specifically selected for transporting Scotland's largest export, Scotch whisky. The truck can transport approximately 24 tonnes of whisky per journey, covering a daily distance of 250-300 miles and at least 62,000 miles per year.

This pilot program is being managed by McPherson's – Chivas Brothers' long-term haulage partner – and aims to fully explore the capabilities of the electric truck and understand how electrification can benefit heavy trucks in the future. By adopting this all-electric tractor unit, Chivas Brothers will reduce its carbon emissions by 155 tonnes annually, aligning with the company's commitment to reducing its overall carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.

The pilot program is set to run for an initial two-year period, during which the truck's range, uptime, safety, and operational ease of use will be assessed. The results will determine the viability of expanding the electric truck fleet across Chivas Brothers' transportation operations in the future. This initiative represents a significant step in Chivas Brothers' net-zero journey, as the company embraces innovative technologies to drive sustainable change.

“We are a proudly Scottish business and feel a deep responsibility to further the sustainability agenda, not only in whisky but for Scotland at large. While it is a true first for both, enabling us to progress towards a sustainable future for Scotch, innovating in electrification stands to benefit industries well beyond our own,” said Jean-Etienne Gourgues, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers.

“We passionately believe that creating the highest-quality whisky should not mean compromising on sustainable and responsible business practice. This pilot will show us what is possible through long-term collaboration with partners who recognise the importance of our sustainability vision and remain steadfast in innovating to realise our shared success,” he added.

Chivas Brothers has already implemented other sustainable transport solutions in its operations. It currently operates a fleet of six circular bio-gas trucks and 19 site-based shunt vehicles, with around half of them undergoing trials with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. These initiatives demonstrate the company's commitment to reducing environmental impact throughout its operations.

The all-electric tractor unit will operate from McPherson's local depot, which has installed a 43kW charger. The depot is conveniently situated next to Chivas Brothers' Kilmalid facility.

The truck has been tailored to meet the specific requirements of Chivas Brothers with five batteries that provide a range of up to 250km depending on operational, driving, and environmental conditions.

“Scotland’s whisky industry is hugely important to our economy, especially in rural and island communities. It is also innovative and creative, and this ambitious project is a prime example of the continued progress that our beloved whisky sector is making to achieve net zero emissions in their operations by 2040,” explained Scottish MP for rural affairs, land reform and islands secretary, Mairi Gougeon.

“Whisky is enjoyed by millions across the globe, but it is crucial that we work toward ensuring that the future of our most popular export is both carbon neutral and sustainable. I hope that companies across all sectors will be inspired by the bold approach shown by Chivas Brothers and Volvo Trucks. Similar bold and urgent action will be needed across all sectors in order to secure a net zero future for Scotland,” Gougeon added.