DHL Supply Chain introduces UK’s first Volvo heavy duty electric tractor units
DHL Supply Chain have announced the introduction of the UK’s first fully electric Volvo heavy duty tractor units. The four Volvo FM electric trucks are designed for high-capacity deliveries operating at 40 tonnes and will directly replace diesel vehicles on a range of activities.
They featuring Volvo’s largest 540kWh battery which provides 666hp, the zero-emissions trucks have a range of up to 300km/180 miles, allowing them to complete full round-trips servicing DHL’s retail and automotive customers across the UK.
Saul Resnick, CEO DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain said: ‘Today marks an important milestone in our journey towards alternative fuel vehicles. The size and capability of these trucks make them a truly viable alternative to diesel as they fully meet our needs and those of our customers. Following our introduction of the UK’s first 16-tonne rigid electric truck in late 2020, we’re proud to continue to lead the way in electric commercial transport.’
The new trucks share the same controls and very latest safety features seen on conventional diesel Volvo FM vehicles, making the transition for drivers as safe and easy as possible. Early feedback from drivers has been extremely positive, especially with regard to acceleration and hill performance.
Last year Coldplay partnered with DHL as part of their aim to make to make their Music Of The Spheres Tour as sustainable as possible and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50%, also pledging to plant a tree for every ticket sold and to draw down significantly more CO2 than the tour produces through investment in a diverse range of carbon offsetting initiatives.
Coldplay’s co-manager Phil Harvey said at the time: ‘When we announced this tour, we pledged to reduce primary carbon emissions by more than 50% compared to the last tour. This can only happen with tour partners who share this vision and are willing to invest the necessary resources to make it happen. We’re grateful to DHL for their help in minimizing our tour’s freight emissions through their expertise and investment in sustainable logistics.’
