Trucks
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the sustainability of its transport operations, the business has adopted two Volvo FE Electrics – the first two zero-tailpipe emissions skiploaders to be put to work in the capital.
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Adopting these electric skiploaders into our fleet shows our commitment to reducing
our carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air and environment in London.
Eager to reduce its fleet’s carbon footprint, Powerday approached Volvo Trucks to assess the feasibility of electric trucks for its operations. Volvo Trucks and supplying dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus South & East, collaborated closely with the customer on this front, first by using the manufacturer’s Electric Range Simulator – which considers multiple factors about a business’ operation, including payload, routes, driving hours and charging infrastructure – followed by the supply of a demonstrator unit.
Chris Donnelly, Sales Director at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, says: “The data received from Powerday’s trial was staggering. We had predicted returns, of course, from our Electric Range Simulator, however, the performance was far better than expected. The stop-start traffic in London helps the FE Electric produce a huge amount of regenerated power back into the battery which meant that two days’ worth of work was possible on one charge.”
Each FE Electric is driven via a two-speed transmission, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Power is handled by a unique traction control system developed to master even slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
Equipped with four batteries, each FE Electric offers a range of approximately 190km and can be recharged in just 2.3 hours using the 150kW DC charger at Powerday’s Willesden Junction site, installed as part of the trial.
Additional safety features include Volvo’s Electronic Stability Control, which reduces the risk of skidding and rollovers, Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic emergency braking and Lane Keeping Support alerts. Built on a 4,100mm wheelbase and equipped with full air suspension, the FE Electrics’ day cabs benefit from full air suspension and feature an additional lower passenger door window to improve visibility while working on London’s busy streets.
Mounted with Hyva skiploader bodywork, the FE Electric rigids will be used primarily to service Powerday’s wide customer base across the capital and the south east. Backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, covering all maintenance and repairs, and including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components, both trucks are expected to work five days a week, fitting seamlessly into Powerday’s busy operation.
The rigids are projected to save Powerday more than 30 tonnes in CO2 emissions annually.
Edward Crossan, CEO at Powerday, says: “In line with our net-zero roadmap, adopting these electric skiploaders into our fleet shows our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air and environment in London.”