Imperial Logistics International explores electric with Dawsongroup and Volvo

Will Shiers
October 14, 2024

The DP World company, Imperial Logistics International, has taken delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor unit. Supplied by Dawsongroup truck and trailer on a four-year contract hire agreement, the vehicle is part of a programme to review alternative fuels. 

Operations director, Neil Herring, said: “The ever-closer end of the diesel engine in transport, probably now just a couple of fleet renewals away for many operators, means we need to be ready for the future. Already, our intensive operations at Oxford for a major automotive company mean we cannot sit back and wait for others to lead the way. Sustainability is of paramount importance to us, encompassing as it must such issues as the environment, working conditions, economics and the developing importance of global trade.

“We have taken this initial vehicle on a four-year package to enable us to get worthwhile experience. As with any major operating development, the project at this stage is something of a journey for us. We see where we are right now as the start point of a learning curve to ensure electric power is ‘fit for purpose’ for our sphere of operations. Certainly, the truck’s first live runs are showing encouragingly positive results.”

Transport manager, Dave Munday, said: “Like everyone else in this sector we share the concerns over the UK’s inadequate recharging infrastructure at the moment. This is less important to us at this stage, as we are running our trials initially over shorter distances, but we plan to extend these as we ‘learn’ what is possible without risking on-time delivery schedules. One element that we know will now have a much-heightened level of importance is route planning. What is ideal for a diesel engined truck might be wrong for the electric vehicle, though it’s quite possible this sharpened focus will deliver improvements for both!

“Driver feedback has been very positive. The most obvious immediate difference is the noise reduction over diesel, without loss of performance. Drivers ‘get’ that electric power is potentially the way forward and are embracing  the opportunity to gain experience. We were already dealing with Dawsongroup and had developed a good relationship. So when we spoke to them about trialling an electric vehicle, we were pleased with the way they reacted to, and dealt with our requirements, leading to the timely delivery of this Volvo.”

Dawsongroup supports operators by derisking the transition to alternative fuels with ‘try before you buy’ options. Rental, leasing and contract hire agreements offer operators the opportunity to explore alternative fuels without large capital investments. 

About the Author

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Will Shiers

Will has been the editor of Commercial Motor magazine since 2011 and is the UK jury member of the International Truck of the Year.

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