Special edition DAF XG+ to mark 75th anniversary
DAF XG+ to mark 75 years of DAF truck production
News - Commercial Motor
July 3, 2024
Gregory Group has taken delivery of six new Volvo FE Electric 4x2 curtainsiders. Supplied by Abdi Ali, national key account manager at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, the vehicles are part of a larger order with Volvo which includes 50 Volvo FH I-Save tractor units. The FE Electrics join the fleet after a successful trial period exploring feasibility for urban delivery jobs.
Paul Jefferson, group legal, fleet and sustainability director at Gregory Group, said: “The latest intake from Volvo Trucks marks a significant fleet renewal strategy to replace older diesel models, as we look to drive down the emissions across our operation in our bid to be net zero by 2038.
“The FE Electrics play a key role in that. As part of the trial, we worked closely with Volvo to establish the routes and operations most suitable for electric. They will primarily be used for deliveries in busy towns and city centres, across multiple parts of the business. The FH with I-Save tractor units will join our national distribution fleet and be deployed on longer distance trunking and tramping operations.”
Every year Gregory Group aims to transition at least 5% of its fleet to cleaner fuels. As a result in recent years Volvo has supplied the company with 35 FH gas-powered trucks. The new FE Electrics will be put into service across six depots: Cullompton, Plymouth, Avonmouth, Winsford, Glasgow and Aberdeen. After working day shifts the trucks will charge overnight at 43kW AC chargers which were supplied by Volvo Trucks.
The FEs have two electric motors and a two-speed gearbox. Gregory Group opted for four batteries to offer a range up to 250km. Other specifications include brushed Alcoa Dura-Bright
aluminium rims and aluminium air tanks
Jefferson said: “The maturity of the Volvo electric product, and positive feedback from the demonstrator, reinforced our decision to go with Volvo Trucks. The drivers that tested the product for us loved the performance. They are very smooth to drive and there is no loss of torque when going up hills.”
The trucks are on a five-year contract hire agreement and have a Volvo gold repair and maintenance contract.
