Gregory Group is driving towards its ambitious sustainability goals with the delivery of six new Volvo FE Electric 4×2 curtainsiders. The zero-tailpipe emission rigids form part of a wider order with Volvo Trucks, which also comprises 50 ultra fuel-efficient FH with I-Save tractor units.
The new electric trucks were ordered following a thorough trial, which demonstrated their suitability for urban delivery work.
Paul Jefferson, Group Legal, Fleet & Sustainability Director at Gregory Group, says: “The latest intake from Volvo Trucks marks a significant fleet renewal strategy to replace older diesel models, as we look to drive down the emissions across our operation in our bid to be net zero by 2038.
“The FE Electrics play a key role in that. As part of the trial, we worked closely with Volvo to establish the routes and operations most suitable for electric. They will primarily be used for deliveries in busy towns and city centres, across multiple parts of the business. The FH with I-Save tractor units will join our national distribution fleet and be deployed on longer distance trunking and tramping operations.”
The order was secured by Abdi Ali, National Key Account Manager at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, further strengthening the partnership between the two businesses. In recent years, Volvo has delivered 35 FH gas-powered trucks to Gregory Group, helping the company’s ambitions to transition at least five per cent of its fleet to cleaner fuels every year.
The new trucks will be distributed across Gregory Group, working out of six separate depots – Cullompton, Plymouth, Avonmouth, Winsford, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Working during the day, they will recharge overnight on newly installed 43kW AC chargers, supplied by Volvo Trucks.
Offering a great working environment for Gregory Group’s drivers, the new FE Electrics have far less vibrations than the diesel model and are almost silent in operation. The Volvo powertrain, with two electric motors combined with a two-speed gearbox, offers an ultra smooth driving experience, with power delivery handled by a unique traction control system developed to master slippery surfaces.
Specified with four batteries, the FE Electric chassis offers a range of up to 250 km. To help keep curb weight to a minimum, Gregory Group included brushed Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium rims and aluminium air tanks in the specification.
“The maturity of the Volvo electric product, and positive feedback from the demonstrator, reinforced our decision to go with Volvo Trucks,” adds Jefferson. “The drivers that tested the product for us loved the performance.
They are very smooth to drive and there is no loss of torque when going up hills.” Supplied via a five-year contract-hire agreement from Volvo Financial Services, all six FE Electrics are backed by a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract, which includes preventative maintenance and repairs, and the monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components.
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