Lenham Storage becomes latest haulier to adopt electric HGVs
Another UK haulage firm has joined the shift to zero-emissions transport with the addition of two Volvo electric HGVs to its fleet.
London’s Lenham Storage has taken delivery of new Volvo FM Electric 4×2 tractor units following a successful trial with a demonstrator vehicle.
The two trucks have already been put to work carrying out multi-drop deliveries mainly inside the M25 as part of the business’ ambient grocery and fast-moving consumer goods work.
Andrew Fulcher, transport operations director at Lenham Storage, said: “As a business, we have always tried to be at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies when it comes
to greener alternative fuels.
“Many of our customers operate in the food and retail sectors, with ambitious targets in terms of cutting carbon emissions across their supply-chain, which ties in well with our own
strategy and ethos. We are already running two Volvo FH gas-powered tractor units and are very happy to have taken the next step with these electric FMs.”
The new trucks – sporting Lenham Storage’s eye-catching blue and red livery – are powered by three electrical motors which generate 657bhp and 1,770lb ft of continuous torque. Each truck is equipped with the maximum six batteries, giving a driving range of approximately 300 km.
The FMs – which meet Transport for London’s three-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating – work throughout the day before returning to Lenham Storage’s Maidstone depot to charge
overnight on a 43kW AC charger.
“The response we’ve had from our drivers has been really positive,” added Fulcher. “One of the guys has been with us for 23 years and he said the main thing he noticed when getting back in a diesel, after a few days driving the electric, was the noise and vibrations. It’s obviously a big change but the electrics are very nice to drive.
“Overall, we’re very happy with how they have settled in. The range is delivering everything we were promised so far, and they are returning to the depot with plenty of life left in the battery. We’re keen to push them even further too with some more general haulage work.”
