Trucks
NEWS SUMMARY:
Supplied by Justin Fisher, Sales Director at Stuarts Truck and Bus, the zero-tailpipe emission truck will be used for delivery and collection of the North Devon-based firm’s linen products to customer sites across the West Country.
Henry Boyle, Managing Director, Buckleigh Laundry, says: “As a business, we take sustainability very seriously and we believe that going green is a clear commitment to the future. The sooner we begin looking for a clear strategy to cut our emissions, the greater the impact we will have – that’s the reason we opted to go down the electric route.
“This one vehicle will save 32 tonnes of carbon from our commercial vehicle fleet being emitted into the environment every year it’s in operation.”
Built on a 6,300 mm wheelbase, the 20-tonne FM Electric – which comes equipped with a box body and tail lift – is equipped with six batteries offering a maximum range of 300 km. Power is delivered by two electrical motors which generate 450 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque.
Positive early signs with plans in place to electrify entire truck fleet
This is paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox to deliver a smooth and ultra-quiet in-cab driving experience. The impressive performance is handled by an electromobility traction control system to help manage power output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.
The Volvo FM Electric will recharge at the firm’s depot overnight and be ready for use the following morning. The long-term plan for Buckleigh Laundry would be to electrify the entirety of its commercial vehicle fleet.
“This is a proof-of-concept project; if this first electric truck can perform strongly then the plan would be to transition our entire HGV fleet over time to electric,” confirms Boyle. “Some of the terrain we operate on in Cornwall and Devon is quite hilly and remote. It’s a challenging environment for it to prove itself but the early signs are hugely positive.”
The new Volvo FM Electric features a host of new technologies, including Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System, which replaces the traditional wing mirrors. The CMS improves aerodynamics, increases the driver’s field of view and also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, direct sunlight and even when driving in tunnels.
Dealer support from Stuarts Truck and Bus key to securing latest order
The business operates seven trucks in total, all Volvo products supplied by local dealer Stuarts Truck and Bus.
Nigel Denford, Transport Manager at Buckleigh Laundry, says: “The first truck we bought was a Volvo and we haven’t looked back. We have a very good relationship with Stuarts. The service we get is spot on, which is not the case for all manufacturers. That goes a very long way. They have supported us on every step of this electric journey. The routes for the FM Electric have been carefully planned, and we are confident it will perform as expected.
“The two drivers who have been allocated to the truck absolutely love it, and the early feedback on the camera monitoring system has been extremely positive.”
Backed by a Volvo Gold Contract ensuring maximum uptime through preventative maintenance, repairs, and continuous monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components, the FM Electric is expected to cover in the region of 50,000 km annually.
Established in 1893, Buckleigh Laundry supplies a wide range of clean, crisp linen products, as well as garment hire, to the leisure and hospitality industry across the south west and West Country.
For tagging on social media:
Facebook: Volvo Trucks UK
Instagram: Volvo Trucks UK
LinkedIn: Volvo Trucks UK
TikTok: Volvo Trucks UK
YouTube: Volvo Trucks UK
Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2025 approximately 120,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.