Trucks
Joining a 93-strong commercial vehicle fleet, the new truck will be predominately used to deliver Refresco beverages to Tesco stores.
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Sustainability is central to our business plan, so it is hugely exciting to be able to
welcome our first heavy duty electric truck.
Volvo was the only manufacturer that could provide us with an electric product that would fit seamlessly into our operations.
In line with the customer’s sustainability ambitions, Sparks Transport approached Volvo Trucks for help evaluating how the manufacturer’s electric products could slot into its daily workflow, culminating with the business trialling its local Volvo dealer’s electric demonstrator.
Jonathan Sparks, Managing Director, Sparks Transport, says: “The team at Truck and Bus Wales and West has worked diligently on this project to help us pinpoint exactly where electric trucking can work for us, and the demonstrator proved that. We’re looking forward to seeing the real-world results across the coming years.”
Supplied by Russell Woof, Area Sales Manager, Truck and Bus Wales and West, the FM Electric is powered by three electrical motors, generating 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque.
An onboard electromobility traction control system helps manage output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
The vehicle utilises Volvo’s standard I-Shift gearbox, which delivers a smooth and ultra-quiet driving experience by constantly evaluating information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand.
To provide a comfortable, stress-free driving experience, the FM Electric has been specified with Volvo Dynamic Steering and I-See Predictive cruise control, aiding manoeuvrability and driving efficiency respectively.
Forward Collision Warning with adaptive cruise control, Advanced Emergency Braking, and Side Collision Support systems provide a comprehensive active safety setup.
Visibility is boosted thanks to Volvo’s distinctive V-shaped LED headlights – which automatically adapt to ambient light conditions – as well as rain sensing windscreen wipers and electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors.
The Globetrotter cab has been fitted out with leather upholstery and a suspended and heated driver’s seat with dual armrests. Also included is a premium 50mm mattress protector, a 28-litre fridge and additional cab storage. Full air suspension completes a comfortable driving experience.
Equipped with six batteries, the FM Electric has a driving range of approximately 300 km. It has a charging timeof just 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger, while the battery can also be charged more quickly up to 80% capacity mid-shift, in just the same way as a smartphone, because the charger slows down towards the end of the process to protect the battery cells.
Sparks Transport is guaranteed maximum uptime thanks to a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract covering all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components. Working up to six days a week, it is expected to complete as much as 90,000 km annually.
“Sustainability is central to our business plan, so it is hugely exciting to be able to welcome our first heavy duty electric truck, ” adds Sparks. “We run a mixed fleet here, but Volvo was the only manufacturer that could provide us with an electric product that would fit seamlessly into our operations.”