Temperature-controlled food distribution operator Reed Boardall has addded two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units into its fleet. The 42-tonne vehicles join the company’s existing 200-strong commercial vehicle fleet, which is entirely supplied by Volvo. Approximately 25% of Reed Boardall’s fleet already consists of gas-powered trucks.
The new electric trucks will operate on a local collection shuttle, bringing stock to Reed Boardall’s Boroughbridge site. This assignment was determined after route planning and consideration of optimal truck utilisation.
Stevland Town, Managing Director for Transport at Reed Boardall, stated: “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.”
Town added: “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.”
The FM Electric trucks feature three electrical motors, producing 666hp and 2,400Nm of continuous torque. They are equipped with Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox and an electromobility traction control system.
Regarding driver response, Town noted: “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 have 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.”
The trucks are covered by five-year Volvo Gold Contracts for maintenance and repairs.
Ian Middleton, Managing Director at Crossroads, commented: “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.”
