Warehousing and distribution business Debach has added a new Volvo FE Electric to its busy operation. The company’s first electric truck replaces a similar diesel unit, instantly cutting carbon emissions in a 40-strong commercial vehicle fleet.
The 4×2 rigid will be used for pallet deliveries in and around Ipswich. It was ordered following a detailed analysis of the service routes it would be working on by Debach’s local dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus South & East.
Bee Kemball, Managing Director at Debach, says: “The vast majority of our truck fleet is supplied by Volvo, and we were never going to look elsewhere when the decision was made to go electric.
“I had been invited to a recent demonstration day where I personally got behind the wheel of the full Volvo electric range and was really impressed with the technology. We were looking to replace one of our diesel rigids, and this FE Electric fitted the bill perfectly – offering us an ideal environmentally-friendly solution for this type of urban work.”
Supplied by Matt Kubot, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck and Bus South & East, the FE Electric is built on a 6,100 mm wheelbase, and has been specified with three batteries, offering an approximate driving range of up to 230 km, providing ample capacity to complete its necessary day-to-day duties.
The truck is powered by two electric motors and benefits from a two-speed transmission, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
As part of the Palletforce network, Debach will use its new zero tailpipe emission truck for up to 20 pallet deliveries per day.
“We have had a fast charger installed at our depot, and the trucks we use on these runs tend to return to base at lunchtime anyway so if we ever needed to top up the battery we can do,” adds Kemball. “It really is an ideal choice for this type of work.”
Equipped with curtainsider bodywork and a Dhollandia tail lift, the FE Electric has been liveried in the company’s black and white colours, with added green detailing highlighting its environmentally-friendly credentials.
It has been supplied with a 5-year subscription to Volvo’s My Truck App, which allows users to check the current vehicle status, battery range and additional data from their smartphone or tablet.
Debach specified the new truck with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and Michelin X Multi Energy tyres, while an additional lower passenger door window improves visibility. Safety is boosted further with Forward Collision Warning with emergency braking, Side Collision Avoidance Support, Driver Alert Support and Lane Keeping Support active safety systems.
The in-cab environment benefits from a comfort-spec heated seat featuring adjustable lumbar support and an extendable seat cushion, DAB radio, climate control, and a heated windscreen.
The FE Electric is backed by a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract, covering all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
Located 10 minutes from the Port of Felixstowe, Debach offers warehousing and distribution services throughout the UK.
