New Volvo FM Electric Joins Tesco’s Distribution Fleet

Volvo Trucks has supplied Tesco with a new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor unit to support the customer’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035. The truck’s arrival marks the first zero tailpipe emission 40-tonne electric Volvo model to be delivered into service with a UK supermarket.

Supplied by Jose Lavarello, Key Account Manager for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, the new FM Electric with Globetrotter cab meets the Direct Vision Standard three-star rating and will operate with various trailer types and lengths. It will be used to deliver goods to stores across Greater London, Suffolk, Essex and Kent, hauling ambient grocery items seven days a week.

Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “Our new Volvo FM Electric is the perfect solution for performing high-capacity grocery deliveries with less environmental impact, and it’s fantastic to see the first example enter service with Tesco. This model is ideal for supermarket fleets wanting to transition to battery electric trucks, and we’re very confident it’s going to generate a lot of interest on the road.”

The FM Electric is powered by three electrical motors, generating 2,400 Nm of continuous torque. These motors are paired with Volvo’s popular I-Shift gearbox, which delivers a smooth and ultra-quiet driving experience by constantly evaluating information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand. This power is intuitively managed by an onboard electromobility traction control system which helps manage output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.

Logistics UK Supports Delegated Testing for ER Operators

In its response to government’s call for evidence, business group Logistics UK has supported the move to allow Earned Recognition (ER) operators to either carry out their own MOT testing on vehicles and trailers or delegate the responsibility to their third-party maintenance provider, subject to them meeting additional compliance requirements.

These changes would replace the current system in which DVSA undertakes all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) annual tests through privately owned authorised test facilities (ATFs).

Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “Allowing ER operators to MOT test their own vehicles would increase efficiency and reduce costs for those operators as the booking of the test can be precisely scheduled along with the maintenance of the vehicle. This will reduce the time the vehicle is off the road significantly – a huge benefit to the businesses charged with delivering for the UK economy.

These changes should also have a positive impact on emissions reduction as operators will not need to make additional journeys to a separate testing centre.

“Road safety must remain a priority; Logistics UK is therefore recommending that DVSA introduces a quality monitoring process to provide assurance that testing providers maintain high levels of compliance and safe operation of vehicles and in the fullness of time this offering could be extended to other compliant operators. Logistics UK is urging that these proposed changes be implemented as soon as possible; however, in the meantime, DVSA should provide a greater guarantee of requested ATFs slots for all operators, with increased flexibility around days or hours testing will be offered by DVSA.” In its response, Logistics UK has also highlighted the need for DfT to work with the Traffic Commissioner throughout the consultation process, to eliminate any potential for conflicting regulations that would negatively impact operators and cause unnecessary delays for a revised testing process.

Logistics UK Approved as a FORS Audit Provider

Business group Logistics UK has announced its status as a FORS Audit Provider, with audits to start this month.

David Wells, Chief Executive at Logistics UK, comments: “Following a consultation with members, and having cleared the necessary quality checks, we are delighted to have been appointed as an approved auditor for the FORS scheme and look forward to adding value via our extensive experience in auditing and compliance.

“Standing up for safe and efficient logistics is at the heart of everything we do at Logistics UK, and we are pleased to be assisting this accreditation scheme that promotes those values. “However, the work we carry out for FORS will remain separate to the work that we undertake via our policy team for members, and we will continue to support our members in monitoring and challenging the FORS scheme where necessary.”

Speaking of the new collaboration with Logistics UK, FORS Concession Director, Ian Henderson said: “We are always delighted to be able to add to our portfolio of audit providers. Giving our accredited operators the best geographical reach and choice of professional audit services is, of course, a key part of the FORS mandate. “Logistics UK is particularly well known throughout the industry, and the company has a long history of providing insightful guidance and professional audit services throughout the transport sector.”

For more information on the scheme, or to book an audit, please visit: www.fors-online.org.uk