Volvo Trucks In Focus December 2023 by Motor Transport

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLVO TRUCKS

VOLVO TRUCKS

In partnership with Volvo Trucks

Discover the Power of Volvo with Volvo FH Electric

Make your heavy inter-city deliveries cleaner and greener. The Volvo FH Electric performs powerfully, with outstanding cab comfort loved by drivers worldwide for long hours on the road – all with zero tailpipe emissions.

Contact your local Volvo Trucks dealer about the full Volvo Distribution range Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLVO TRUCKS

TRULY BUZZIN’ Volvo provides electric versions of its FH, FM, FMX, FL and FE in the UK, providing trucks suitable for almost every conceivable application

AMBITIONS 78 INTERNATIONAL Irish temperature-controlled truck operator Dixon

Transport proves that long-distance international journeys are perfectly feasible right now in a Volvo FH Electric with current charging infrastructure

DOWN A TREAT 80 GOING Why two FM Electric 4x2 tractors taken on by

Staffordshire company Hawkins Logistics are going down so well with its drivers and customers, as well as the management

RETURNS 82 INSTANT Switching from a traditional ICE vehicle to an

electric 19-tonne skip-loader it calls ‘Electric Ted’ has slashed running costs in half for Scottish operator J&M Murdoch & Son

WELL CONNECTED Volvo Connect – Volvo’s suite of connectivity and telematics products – provides visibility over vehicles, drivers and ancillary functions like routeing and reporting. And even more is planned

WELCOME

CONTENTS Welcome to the latest in our series of supplements on decarbonisation - a topic that will affect every truck operator in the next few years. Whether it’s through legislation to force the shift; the availability of new zero-emission vehicles; the technology required to refuel them; or the new reporting requirements operators will need to comply with, the industry is readying itself for a period of massive change. Volvo Trucks has been leading the way with the development of new trucks, services and support. Over the following pages, we review the vehicle manufacturer’s current electric range, get the ƂTUV KORTGUUKQPU HTQO QRGTCVQTU CV C TGEGPV TKFG CPF FTKXG GXGPV RKEM VJG DTCKPU QH UQOG GCTN[ CFQRVGTU CPF ƂPF QWV OQTG CDQWV the new Volvo Connect vehicle management service.

Andy Salter MD, Road Transport Media

CONTACT INFORMATION Editorial Supplement editor Andy Salter Contributor Louise Cole Art and production Group production manager Isabel Burton Deputy group production manager Sean Behan Production editor Robin Meczes Display advertising Commercial sales director Emma Tyrer Directors Divisional director Vic Bunby

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Printed by William Gibbons Distributed by Marketforce

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLVO TRUCKS

■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

ALL BASES COVERED ELECTRIC VEHICLES: VOLVO RANGE

Volvo Trucks has one of the most extensive battery electric truck line-ups on the market, with a vehicle for most applications. Here we take a look at the UK range NEED TO KNOW

Volvo Trucks prides itself on an extensive range of battery electric vehicles which, according to Christian Coolsaet, MD of Volvo Trucks UK and Ireland, can easily accommodate more than 40% of all heavyduty truck applications. This claim comes from analysis of Volvo Connect telematics data and, as the vehicle line-up continues to evolve, this

Volvo Trucks offers electric versions of its FH, FM, FMX, FL and FE, all of which produce zero tailpipe emissions

VOLVO MODELS AND APPLICATIONS

WORDS: ANDY SALTER

VOLVO FH ELECTRIC #ZNG EQPƂIWTCVKQPU

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Tractor: 4x2, 6x2. Rigid: 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x2 Tridem, 8x4 Tridem. All axles are air suspended All cab lengths Up to 44 tonnes 23 tonnes 450-540kWh Up to 300km 9.5hr with AC (43kW); 2.5hr with DC (250kW) 3 electrical motors, I-Shift gearbox, 2 power levels (up to 666hp) Up to 2,400Nm and 490kW (666hp) Suitability for bodywork 3 PTOs (electrical, mechanical and gearbox)

Photos: Volvo Trucks

5CV CV VJG head of the range is the FH Electric, recently elected +PVGTPCVKQPCN 6TWEM QH VJG ;GCT s VJG ƂTUV DCVVGT[ GNGEVTKE truck to scoop the accolade. The FH Electric is available in TKIKF QT VTCEVQT WPKV EQPƂIWTCVKQP VJG NCVVGT KP DQVJ Z CPF 6x2 tag axle format capable of running up to 44 tonnes GCW.

percentage will continue to grow to a point where – for the UK at least – the vast majority of commercial vehicle applications will be covered by the battery electric vehicle (BEV) line-up. Volvo Trucks’ electric range consists of five models: the FH, FM, FMX, FL and FE. These trucks are based on the same platform and driveline as their diesel counterparts, but with electric motors, batteries and charging systems. The electric motors provide smooth and powerful acceleration, as

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# HWNN TKIKF NKPG WR KU CXCKNCDNG CETQUU CNN CZNG EQPƂIWTCVKQPU suitable for a complete range of operational applications. The full range of Volvo cabs – Low Sleeper, Sleeper, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL and Globetrotter XXL – suits a range of duty cycles. Three electrical motors combined with an I-Shift gearbox adapted for electromobility provide a smooth and powerful driving experience. The massive power of up to 490kW/666hp and 2,400Nm torque is handled by a unique traction control system also developed to master slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels. The six battery packs RTQFWEG WR VQ M9J GPUWTKPI UWHƂEKGPV TCPIG HQT OQUV daily assignments.

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well as regenerative braking that recovers energy and extends the range. The batteries are lithiumion packs that can be configured with different capacities depending on the truck’s application and weight. The charging systems can use either AC or DC power sources, and the charging time varies depending on the battery size and the power output. The electric trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen

3WKGVN[ FQGU KV All of Volvo’s electric trucks operate at very low noise levels, despite their high torque and power outputs

6JG 8QNXQ (/ and its more rugged counterpart, the FMX, are both designed for city and regional distribution applications, having a narrower and lower cab than their FH big brother. 6JG (/ JCU C YKFGT TCPIG QH ECD UK\GU CPF EQPƂIWTCVKQPU KPENWFKPI C ETGY ECD CPF C ƃCV TQQH ECD HQT URGEKCNKUV

VOLVO FM/FMX ELECTRIC #ZNG EQPƂIWTCVKQPU

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oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants, which contribute to climate change and air quality problems. By using renewable electricity sources, the electric trucks can also reduce emissions from the energy production. The electric trucks can reduce the CO2 emissions by 100% compared to the diesel trucks. The electric trucks also operate with low noise levels, which improve the working environment for drivers and loading and unloading staff, as well as the living conditions for residents and wildlife in the areas where the trucks operate. The low noise levels also enable the trucks to operate during night-time and off-peak hours, which can increase transport efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Volvo’s electric trucks have high torque and power outputs, which enable them to handle heavy loads and steep gradients. They also have a smooth and responsive driveline, which improves driving comfort and safety. The trucks are built on a proven and flexible platform, which ensures high quality and durability. The vehicles are also supported by Volvo Trucks’ extensive service network and expertise, which guarantee high uptime and availability.

CRRNKECVKQPU .KMG VJG (* VJG (/ ECP DG EQPƂIWTGF CU C VTCEVQT WPKV or rigid, with various axle and cab options, while the FMX is a rigid truck with a robust exterior and high ground clearance. The Volvo FM and the FH share some features, such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering, the fully digital driver interface, and the wide range of services to enhance the performance, safety and productivity of the truck.

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VOLVO MODELS AND APPLICATIONS

■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

6JG (. CPF FE are the lighter and more compact models in the Volvo electric range, with gross vehicle weights (GVW) of up to 27 tonnes, and continuous power outputs of up to 225kW (300hp). These models are the latest to receive a range of product enhancements with the AC charging capacity of the trucks almost doubled to 43kW, cutting the time needed to charge by approximately 50%. The trucks have also DGPGƂVGF HTQO WRFCVGF DCVVGT[ RCEMU PQY ECRCDNG QH delivering 450km in total range from one charge. These trucks are ideal for urban and suburban transport, such as distribution, waste collection and NKIJV EQPUVTWEVKQP 6JG (. CPF (' ECP DG EQPƂIWTGF as rigid trucks, with various axle and cab options, as well as different body types and accessories. The FE can have up to four battery packs, with a maximum energy content of 375kWh; while the FL can house up to six battery packs with a maximum energy content of 565kWh. “Volvo Trucks has a market-leading offer of electric trucks – and we are constantly improving them to enable more businesses to take the step to zeroemission vehicles for their daily operations,” says Jessica Sandström, head of product management at Volvo Trucks. “The upgraded Volvo FL and FE models are ideal work tools for businesses with sustainability high up on their agendas, offering a wide range of applications for their customers.” Safety is key in the Volvo FL and FE trucks, which typically share limited space with cars, cyclists, kick-bikers and pedestrians. A range of new features will increase safety

VOLVO FL ELECTRIC #ZNG EQPƂIWTCVKQPU %CD )TQUU EQODKPCVKQP YGKIJV $CVVGT[ ECRCEKV[ 4CPIG %JCTIKPI VKOG HWNN EJCTIG DCVVGT[ RCEMU &TKXGNKPG 2GTHQTOCPEG #RRNKECVKQPU

Rigid: 4x2. All axles are air suspended Day cab, short sleeper cab Up to 16.7 tonnes 280–565kWh, 3 to 6 batteries Up to 450km 9.5hr with AC (43kW); 2.3hr with DC (150kW) Single electric motor, 2-speed gearbox Up to 130kW (175hp) continuous power Suitability for bodywork Electric PTO

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VOLVO FE ELECTRIC #ZNG EQPƂIWTCVKQPU %CD )TQUU EQODKPCVKQP YGKIJV $CVVGT[ ECRCEKV[ 4CPIG %JCTIKPI VKOG HWNN EJCTIG DCVVGT[ RCEMU &TKXGNKPG 2GTHQTOCPEG #RRNKECVKQPU

Rigid: 4x2, 6x2. All axles are air suspended Day cab, short sleeper cab, sleeper cab, low entry cab Up to 27 tonnes 280-375kWh, 3 to 4 batteries Up to 450km 9.5hr with AC (43kW); 2.3hr with DC (150kW) 2 electric motors, 2-speed gearbox Up to 225kW (300hp) continuous power Suitability for bodywork Electric PTO

both for the driver and for other road users, and these safety upgrades mean that the Volvo FL and FE models exceed the General Safety Regulations coming into effect in 2024. The FL and FE models also come with an attractive new design that includes a revamped front end, distinct LED headlights and a boosted iron mark, as well as the Volvo name in the front.

NEW FEATURES 6JG 8QNXQ (. CPF (' JCXG CNUQ DGGP ƂVVGF YKVJ UGXGTCN PGY features, making them even better equipped for modern businesses in the city, including: Q Slimmer exterior mirrors to give the driver better direct vision of the vehicle’s surroundings; Q New LED interior lights and a lockable interior storage space to improve the working environment; Q 1RVKQPCN ř DKTFoU G[G XKGY ECOGTC UQNWVKQP CPF QT C UKFG view camera; Q A new key fob packed with user-friendly functions; Q An electric power take-off interface which allows bodybuilding without an electric-mechanical motor, simplifying bodybuilding and saving weight; Q Safety system additions including Vulnerable Road User Detection, Side Collision Avoidance Support and Driver Alert Support. As with all Volvo battery electric trucks in the range, The FL and FE come with a Volvo Gold Service Contract, which covers the complete truck and includes predictive service planning and battery monitoring. The trucks also have access to Volvo Connect, a digital platform that provides route and range planning, positioning with energy status, follow-up reports and other support functions. The drivers can also use the MyTruck app to view the battery state of charge, control the parking heater, and more.

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STUART CHARTER, AZTEK LOGISTICS Stuart Charter is responsible for 40 trucks on general haulage/distribution for one of the pallet networks. Though he mostly runs 18-tonners, he was impressed with the FH Electric. “It’s a fantastic truck,” he said. “It’s so peaceful in cab and effortless to drive.” Aztek has already trialled electric vehicles. “We’re primarily a back to base operation, so depot charging will work for us,” he said. “We have plenty of power on site already, so I’d say we’re ready to switch when the time is right.”

PAUL WILSON, FRONTIER AGRICULTURE “Smooth, quiet and comfortable,” was the feedback from Paul Wilson, who is national bulk transport manager for Frontier Agriculture, after his drive in the FM Electric. While he has concerns about how maximum weight artics could transition to electric today, he was keen to explore the smaller vehicles in the range. “The shift to net zero is part of our corporate strategy,” he said.

PAUL BROWN, LIGNACITE Paul Brown looks after 11 trucks across two sites for Lignacite. The company, like many we spoke to at the event, has embraced HVO as a means of making an initial impact on CO2 emissions but he was keen to learn more about

the battery electric line-up. “We want to move in this direction,” he told us. “We’re looking into electric for London deliveries. It’s a very impressive truck. I was very impressed with the smoothness of the driving experience.”

SHANE BROWN, O’DONOVAN WASTE DISPOSAL “I can see how driving one of these electric trucks will be a lot less stressful than diesel,” Shane Brown, operations director at O’Donovan Waste Disposal, told us after trying out several examples from the Volvo range. “These vehicles have got to be better for drivers, particularly around London. The power of the regenerative braking is highly impressive – it’s effectively a one-pedal driving experience. We’re very much in our infancy on electric VTWEMU DWV KVoU FGƂPKVGN[ UQOGVJKPI we’re looking at and starting conversations about with customers and suppliers.”

CHARLIE NISSEN, HOWDEN JOINERY Charlie Nissen, national transport manager at Howden, has a number of battery electric FM TKIKFU LQKPKPI VJG ƃGGV p$[ we have set our target to reduce our carbon emissions by 50%,” he told us. “We are actively bringing XGJKENGU KPVQ VJG ƃGGV CPF DWKNFKPI our charging infrastructure. As well as the trucks, we have a number of chargers being installed currently.” He is already sold on the Volvo electric line-up, and was impressed by the ongoing development of the range. “It’s such a responsive vehicle,” he said. “Smooth, quiet and a pleasure to drive.”

DAVID LANDY, EVRI

WHAT TRUCK OPERATORS HAVE TO SAY

At a recent Volvo Trucks ride and drive experience at Millbrook, operators gave us their views on the Volvo battery electric truck range...

David Landy, head of ƃGGV CV 'XTK CNUQ NKMGF what he saw. “The technology on these vehicles is developing so quickly,” he said, after taking his turn in the FH Electric. “The driving experience is so effortless and the performance of the vehicles is beyond doubt. We now have to work QWV JQY YG ECP ƂV VJGUG XGJKENGU into our operation. We have had one on trial for a while and working with the right customer in the right duty application, it is performing well.”

JON HUMPHRY, CROSS COUNTRY CARRIERS

As MD of the business, Jon Humphry is responsible for the operation of 42 trucks KP VJG EQORCP[ ƃGGV p6JCV YCU C very smooth and quiet drive,” he told us, when we caught up with him on the test track. “We have shifted QWT HQTM NKHV ƃGGV QXGT VQ NKVJKWO KQP batteries and we are gaining a lot of knowledge about the charging requirements and the infrastructure we need on site.”

SCOTT EMMETT, THRIPLOW GROUP

Thriplow Group owner Scott Emmett took on a Volvo FE rigid with battery power back in 2019. “People laughed at me,” he told us. “But I’ve proved the point and we’re now looking to extend our zero-emission offering.” Scott, who drove both the FMX and FH Electric, said: “Once the driver gets into one of these, they won’t want to leave it. The FH is a very high quality truck, offering great performance, while the FMX is so smooth and quiet.”

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■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

WORDS: LOUISE COLE Ireland-based Dixon Transport has taken on four Volvo FH Electrics running at 41 tonnes. The temperaturecontrolled logistics firm services contracts across retail, pharmaceuticals and food, handling trunking and distribution in Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. So its loads are often on complex multistage journeys, and highly regulated in terms of temperature and security, many with time-critical collection and delivery windows. Despite this, Dixon is not content with running its electric vehicles in the safe niche of local deliveries. It wants to see whether the claim that electric drivelines cannot yet cope with long-distance transport is true. And its experience suggests that it isn’t. “We have them on domestic deliveries, running up to 300km a day and they can do that with no problem without having to charge,” says operations director Brendan Dixon. “We have them trunking at night up to Belfast and back down. Our experience is very good. We can fit them into the current business model even though we have no public charging network.” Although the vehicle is approximately one tonne heavier than a diesel equivalent, the weight derogation ensures there is no loss of payload. Determined to see just how far he could push the new FH Electrics, Dixon himself recently took one to Paris. “It proves there is no challenge that cannot be overcome. I did over 1,700km in four days in that electric truck. The experience was fantastic. The Volvo is a comfortable drive anyway, but the electric version is very relaxing – no noise, no strain, just effortless torque.”

RANGE REWARDS

Photos: Volvo Trucks

Dixon says Volvo was conservative about the truck’s likely range, using figures for a fully laden vehicle. “The trucks exceed what Volvo felt them capable of on lighter work,” he says. “We were running at 25 tonnes GVW on the trip to Paris. But Volvo is spot-on with range in a fully laden truck.” The company has four 43kW AC chargers at the depot, which charge the trucks in about eight hours, usually overnight. It has also deployed a 180kW DC supercharger, which allows them to double-shift the vehicles with a rapid top-up between shifts, and has a second supercharger planned for its new site. The vehicle can spend the morning and afternoon working in Dublin and then be rapid charged for one hour 40 minutes to do the same

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NO LIMITS

DIXON TRANSPORT: FH ELECTRIC

Dixon Transport proves conclusively that electric vehicles can already be run on long-distance and international work using current charging infrastructure amount of work again in an evening shift. “There is nothing that cannot be done,” says Dixon. “I’m confident we could go anywhere in Europe with the charging that is currently available. We were confident the trucks would work within the 300km range and every company has a place for that. But the surprise was how easy it was to extend that capability into UK or European transport.” Dixon has five years’ experience of driving electric cars and used his car charging apps to identify the most cost-effective and routeefficient chargers for the Dublin-Paris journey, targeting 150-180kW DC chargers. Despite the lack of designated truck charging, he found public provision adequate, even in the UK, where he charged three times – at Maidstone, Banbury and Staffordshire services. Ideally, he says, you run the truck to perhaps 10% of battery by the time you charge back to 90%, which takes about 1.5 hours on a DC charger. Dixon coupled the charging times with his statutory breaks, which fitted well with the vehicle’s range as it took about four hours to cover 300km. The only issue was having to decouple the trailer before charging the tractor unit, as the charging spaces are not designed for long vehicles. He charged the truck six times in all during the 1,700km four-day trip. His only warning is that operators should consider the huge variation in prices at public chargers. “In Staffordshire I paid 85p/kWh compared to €0.40 (34p) in France,” he says. He now has plans to run the trucks, at customer request, across Germany, Holland and Portugal. The vehicles were purchased outright, and each will be run until the battery is no longer viable, so despite their high price, return on investment is almost guaranteed over the asset’s lifetime. “At 80% battery capacity they will still do

240km, and we have plenty of trucks doing less than 200km a day in a full shift,” he says. “As long as they are operational at all, we’ll have work for them. “We don’t expect them to have great residual values necessarily. Our CNG trucks don’t, because there is little demand for used CNG vehicles, so we run them until the end of life. Also we expect the electric technologies to advance rapidly, so electric trucks in five years’ time may offer far more than they do today,” he says.

There is nothing that cannot be done. +oO EQPƂFGPV we could go anywhere in Europe with the charging that is currently available

Brendan Dixon, operations director, Dixon Transport

TRULY NET-ZERO The trucks are made more cost-effective and greener by the extensive investment Dixon has made in solar energy generation, which now runs its entire site. In 2024 Dixon will open a state-ofthe-art fully automated, temperature-controlled warehouse with space for 46,000 pallets, also run on solar power and bringing its energy generation to one megawatt. Dixon says this means it can truly offer customers a net-zero transport solution. Poor weather can affect the trucks’ range, he admits. The journey from Dixon’s Dublin site to Coca-Cola’s factory and back is 300km exactly. Storms, rain and wind can cut the efficiency of the vehicles from 1kW/km to 1.2kW at its most extreme, so the company has identified four public charging opportunities en route as contingencies. But collaboration between operators running electric trucks can help extend range, he says. “We need to make these first steps together as an industry, to benefit all of us,” he comments. “There is definitely a place for these trucks,” he adds. “It may not be in long-distance European transport, although we’ve proven that’s possible. But the driver needs to take breaks during his driving time anyway, so with sufficient planning, the truck can top up during those breaks.”

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■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

2418+0) 6*'+4 9146* HAWKINS LOGISTICS: FM ELECTRIC 4X2

Two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units have recently joined VJG ƃGGV QH NQIKUVKEU RTQXKFGT *CYMKPU .QIKUVKEU YJGTG VJG[ CTG IQKPI FQYP YGNN YKVJ EWUVQOGTU FTKXGTU CPF OCPCIGOGPV CNKMG

Photos: Volvo Trucks

WORDS: LOUISE COLE Staffordshire-based warehouse and distribution company Hawkins Logistics has taken delivery of two new Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units – the first heavy-duty electric trucks the company has brought into its 100-plus fleet. The privately owned, family-based company has four sites in Rugeley, Fradley, Lichfield and Glasgow, with over 18,500sq m of warehousing. The electric vehicles (EVs) are both operated out of its Fradley site, and both pass the site daily during their shifts so if top-up charge was ever needed, the driver could take his 45-minute break at base. The vehicles are plated to 38 tonnes. One typically carries up to 18 tonnes of payload and the other 15 tonnes, which operations director Paul Hawkins says are comfortable weights for the mileage they are expected to cover. The manufacturer’s stated range for the FM Electrics is 300km on a single charge. Hawkins plans the trucks’ routes to cover up to 160 miles daily – effectively the entire range of the vehicle. “For what we are using them for and the ranges needed, they perform very comfortably with overnight charging,” says Hawkins. One truck does multiple runs each day into the Palletforce SuperHub at Burton-on-Trent, carrying up to 250 pallets a day on behalf of bathroom specialist Ideal Standard. The other carries product for Beiersdorf Globa, owner of the Nivea brand, into regional distribution centres. Hawkins says the move to electric has been a win with customers, making a strong sales argument

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Volvo has been a consistent brand in our ƃGGV GXGT UKPEG the business was founded 2CWN *CYMKPU QRGTCVKQPU FKTGEVQT *CYMKPU .QIKUVKEU

at a time when manufacturers and retailers are under pressure to achieve and report carbon savings, even from third-party sources. “We’re the first haulier working with Ideal Standard to offer zero-emission distribution and only the second for Beiersdorf – I believe they have one electric HGV running for them in Spain,” says Hawkins. “Both customers are extremely happy to be able to cut their carbon footprint by using our electric trucks and so we have been able to pass the premium for the cost onto the customers.” The vehicles are leased and have an expected lifespan with the company of five years. “I think they will break even over that time because of the massive saving on diesel,” says Hawkins. “I think they will do alright for us.” These vehicles are the first alternative drivelines

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Hawkins has had on its fleet. The company offers many different services including pallet network, primary and secondary distribution, and long-haul trunking, so not all applications are suitable. “We may get more electric trucks in the future, but it depends on what other driveline options become available,” Hawkins says. “We do a lot of international work and I don’t think electric trucks will be a viable option for running to Spain or Poland. There is a still a lack of infrastructure so we need to see how the offerings develop.” Approximately 40 of its ICE vehicles are Volvo, which made the manufacturer a natural choice when evaluating electric drivelines. “Volvo has been a consistent brand in our fleet ever since the business was founded and was always going to be our first choice when specifying our first electric tractor units,” says Hawkins. “The sales team were very useful in helping us to identify the correct contracts and routes for the vehicles to fit into the operational model.” Both trucks are supported with five-year Volvo Gold contracts to guarantee maximum uptime. This includes preventative maintenance and repairs, plus the monitoring of key systems, including the batteries. The EVs run on the same eight-week service intervals as the ICE vehicles.

NEED TO KNOW

Hawkins’ FM Electrics generate an output of 666hp and 2,400Nm of continuous torque and are covered by Volvo Gold repair and maintenance contracts

DRIVER EXPERIENCE

Fitting in seamlessly:

The FM Electrics both feature three electrical motors, generating an output of 666hp and 2,400Nm of continuous torque, paired with

Hawkins’ FM Electrics complete up to 160 miles a day with overnight charging

standard I-Shift gearboxes to deliver a smooth and quiet in-cab driving experience. “I’ve driven one myself,” says Hawkins. “They are nippy, but not fiercely so, like an electric car. They can pull away quickly but our drivers are driving them very carefully to maximise range. If they wanted to drive more rapidly, they would probably have to stop and charge in the middle of a shift, so the driver is incentivised to drive steadily and get the best from the vehicle.” The trucks have an electromobility traction control system to help manage power output on slippery surfaces, while different drive modes are available to set desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels. The FM Electrics have been fitted with full air suspension, spacious Globetrotter cabs, and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels. A Drive++ package adds dual armrests, leather upholstery and fully electronic air conditioning with sun, mist and air quality sensors and a carbon filter – ensuring premium driver comfort. Hawkins Logistics also opted to include Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking in the specification. Hawkins says the drivers are enthusiastic about the trucks and comfortable with all aspects of them. “They received the specific Volvo training, and for the first few weeks they were learning how to get the best from them. The drivers have not been negative about driving electric vehicles at all, which you occasionally hear about,” he says. “However, all change requires some adjustment. “The ADAS systems also need a certain amount of training for drivers to get used to, but they have taken it in their stride. “The drivers love them. They are using the Volvo Connect app, and preconditioning the trucks while still on charge, etc,” he says. “They are very focused on getting the maximum productivity from them.”

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■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

TED OF THE GLENS J&M MURDOCH & SON: FE ELECTRIC 4X2

Photos: Volvo Trucks

J&M Murdoch & Son’s 19-tonne skip-loader proves that in the right application, electric power is an easy switch that slashes running costs WORDS: LOUISE COLE

NEED TO KNOW

AN FE Electric 4x2 rigid with a skip-loading body from Volvo Truck Centre North & Scotland in Glasgow has been running for Neilston-based waste contractor J&M Murdoch & Son since May this year with promising results. The livery proudly announces: Electric Ted – the Way Ahead and Electric Ted of the Glen, On Our Journey to Net Zero. The moniker Ted is because it is informing Tomorrow’s Environmental Decisions. J&M Murdoch has been running the truck on single-shift local deliveries. Electric Ted is a chainlift skip-loader, offering a 6,540kg payload. Its

J&M Murdoch & Son’s Volvo FE Electric 4x2 chassis-cab has a reliable real-world range of 200km, and manages 40 deliveries or collections covering up to 1,000km a week

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tare weight of 12,460kg is two tonnes more than a diesel but it enjoys a one-tonne weight derogation, allowing it to run at 19 tonnes GVW. Its hydraulic and auxiliary equipment is powered by 265kWh traction batteries with four battery packs of 66kW each in the wheelbase, providing a maximum torque of 286Nm continuous and 530Nm peak.

OPERATING MODE The chassis-cab is part of an 18-strong skip hire fleet covering the central belt to Edinburgh. It’s used on 10 or 11 hour day shifts, delivering 8cu yd and 14cu yd skips in and around Glasgow. It has a reliable real-world range of 200km, and manages 40 deliveries or collections totalling up to 1,000km a

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week, usually covering 150km-180km each shift. MD Andrew Murdoch says he doesn’t expect the Scottish winter to dampen the truck’s range, as it has a separate 24V battery to supply heating for the driver without draining its main reserves. And its routes mean the rugged Scottish terrain doesn’t reduce its range, either. The vehicle is charged overnight using a Volvosupplied cable on an AC box. On a DC charger it would take two hours. Currently AC charging is the most cost-effective choice for back-to-base applications in terms of infrastructure. Murdoch says the vehicle is performing extremely well on its 79-strong fleet, which includes 15 tractor units, 20 trailers, and an array of rigids. Clearly there are limitations to an electric truck which an ICE vehicle doesn’t have, including less flexibility in the routes and contracts. The company could not realistically send this truck into Edinburgh, for example, as the journey there and back would exhaust its power supply without any work being done. But within the stricture of keeping the truck local, there is an added benefit – local construction companies are impressed and supportive of the move to a decarbonised vehicle. “Our customers have bought into it tremendously. They’ll phone up and ask if Ted can do their skip,” says Murdoch. “And people have their picture taken with the truck as well.”

SENSITIVE DRIVING Driver behaviour is key to maximising battery life, and the company has chosen a ‘steady’ driver, Gavin Brown, for its new truck. He was a little disconcerted by the range limitations to begin with, despite a day’s intensive training with Volvo’s fuel economy training expert, Alan Ingram. But in practice, the truck does its job, and the company is working close to the margins of its capability, Brown sometimes returning to base with just 20km-40km of power left in the battery. Ideally such trucks should be top-up charged so the battery is kept between 20% and 80% of capacity, rather than draining them dry or filling to the brim. This helps to extend battery life. A little space in the battery at the beginning of a shift also means the driver can maximise the use of regenerative braking, wasting as little power to friction braking as possible. Regenerative braking cannot work if the battery is full, as recaptured power has nowhere to go. The company has previously chosen to purchase trucks but this electric model is leased. Leasing

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costs and total cost of ownership models have been challenging for manufacturers, suppliers and fleets alike, thanks to surges in electricity pricing and uncertain residual values, with batteries likely to need replacing after eight years. “We believe that at five years we’ll have cost parity with a diesel, allowing for the extra capital cost of an electric vehicle,” says Murdoch. “However, residuals are one of the great unknowns at this stage. We’re keeping an open mind about whether we continue running the truck for as long as the battery is viable. We would have no objections in principle, but we will have to see how it’s performing in a few years, and whether the technology has moved on, making a new vehicle more appropriate.”

PROOF OF THE PUDDING The daily running costs substantially offset the higher lease payments. In 209 hours of driving time, Electric Ted lifted 105 skips and cost £748 to recharge. A diesel fleetmate managed 121 skip lifts in 211 hours, but at a cost of £1,482 in diesel (not including AdBlue). So day to day, Ted costs about half as much to run. Moreover the diesel emits 107.4kg of CO2 while the electric model has no direct CO2 (or other tailpipe) emissions. A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation, based on real-world 40-tonne vehicles, found battery electric trucks’ lifetime CO2 emissions – taking into account the carbon cost of material and fuel generation – to be at least 63% less than those of a diesel.

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■ VOLVO TRUCKS IN FOCUS

FEELING CONNECTED CONNECTIVITY: VOLVO CONNECT

Volvo is taking connectivity to the next level with its Volvo Connect suite, helping operators to get the best possible use from their assets WORDS: LOUISE COLE

Images: Volvo Trucks

Volvo Connect is Volvo Trucks’ suite of connectivity and telematics products, which gives operators full visibility of the vehicle, driver behaviour and ancillary functions like routeing and reporting. In 2024, this fleet management system will benefit from a suite of new releases, giving operators even more visibility and control across their Volvo vehicles. Volvo Connect is already a one-stop shop when it comes to Volvo vehicles. It includes such elements as tracking, fuel reports, energy reports, safety information, daily pre-use checks, dashboard warning lights, servicing calendar, workshop history, driving time notifications, and geofencing. Additionally the My Truck app gives remote security features, checking the truck’s status at any time, using instant push notifications to alert the driver of important status changes, and securing the truck’s optimal performance and readiness for work. With electric vehicles, My Truck will alert the operator if charging is interrupted and drivers can remotely check the vehicle is locked. They can also pre-condition an electric vehicle. Connect is available to the transport office through the portal, and to drivers through the portal or app, with email alerts optional.

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Best of motives: Rachael Botcher says compliance is key

Rachael Botcher, head of digital services at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says Volvo’s aim is to give operators the tools to “be the most compliant, the safest and the most efficient they can be and to get best use and value from all of their assets”.

CONTINUAL DEVELOPMENT This means that Volvo is constantly improving and adding to the product, but the advent of electric vehicles in operator fleets has been another incentive to expand and future-proof its capabilities. Volvo has several new elements planned for Connect, many of them coming in 2024.

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It has also created additional services to support electric vehicles. ‘Range and Route’ will run in the map function within Connect, which operators also use for tracking. They can look at existing routes, including drops, cargo weight and ancillary equipment, and check the route is within the EV’s capability. They can also create new routes, again checking for available range. Initially this route and range tool will only be available in the office, but Volvo is working on being able to send it to the driver’s navigation display, so changes to routes can be updated dynamically while the truck is out on the road.

PLAYING WITH PARAMETERS Energy efficiency reports are already available for diesel-fuelled trucks. Operators have a multitude of parameters they can play with including weight distribution, route, and driver behaviours, so they can maximise productivity per litre of diesel. The reports grade vehicles with a traffic light system, so it is easy to see which vehicles are not being optimised. Operators can also create custom reports, identifying specific factors. The reports are also informed by the vehicle profile which identifies the type of vehicle and application. Volvo Truck’s Swedish team is currently analysing electric vehicle data to create the same analysis tool for decarbonised vehicles. The UK team will take its findings and adjust them for this country, where range and battery performance are likely to differ from Sweden in terms of average temperature, gradient and journey length. In 2024 the company hopes to extend this knowledge to the in-cab driver coaching app, which gives drivers tips for maximising vehicle performance and safety. Botcher says many operators still do not explore the full power of telematics to lower their risk profile and costs through managing driver behaviour. Although the in-cab coaching is useful, there is no substitute for managers supporting driver improvement directly. The Fleet Solutions Managers based at dealerships in every region are one of Volvo Connect’s USPs, she says. They are all highly trained in the system, plus ICE and electric drivelines, and are also driver trainers, so offer support to any Volvo operator trying to get the best from their drivers and their fleets, based on Connect data. “Since I joined the company in 2017 there has been an evolution in fleet interests. Initially fleets wanted to track their vehicles, then to focus on fuel efficiency,

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Rachael Botcher, head of digital services, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland

then compliance, and now operators are increasingly concerned with their safety score,” she says. Another 2024 launch will be Volvo’s Earned Recognition tool, the Maintenance Dashboard, which will let operators send defect and roadworthiness reports to the DVSA digitally. Botcher says there are many companies offering an ER-compatible product for tachograph information, so Volvo has decided to focus on helping operators to prove vehicle compliance. Another development will be the integration of service scheduling and alerts which are currently held in Volvo’s Service Point Online product. Volvo Connect is at heart a telematics system and offers a wealth of driver behaviour data operators can use. The safety reports capture driver and vehicle behaviour such as harsh braking, like other telematics products, but also the status and deployment of driver assistance technologies such as AEBS or roll-over protection. Botcher says the reports can reveal patterns in driver behaviour. “Ideally of course, we don’t want to see anything in the safety report. However, if a driver is hard-braking at the same time every day, perhaps he’s got an alarm set on his phone to remind him of something and it surprises him every day at the same time. Or is it something along the route? Those kinds of patterns help operators to ensure they are compliant and as safe as possible.”

INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES Currently there is no public charging for electric trucks in the UK, and most operators are not running sufficient numbers for planning around charging to be problematic. However, both of these factors will change. And Volvo is keen to get ahead of the potential complexity of charging a whole fleet. It aims to make identifying and booking charging available on the Connect map system, just as operators can currently find their nearest CNG site. It will also highlight the nearest electriccertified dealer, and provide a software solution for planned depot charging so a vehicle can start to be charged at a specified time, for instance to use the best tariff. And vehicle charging can be turned on or off across the fleet to manage power capacity. Volvo Trucks also works freely with interested third-party app developers, such as parking, fuel card or charging companies, to provide an API so their app is displayed for the driver in Connect. Operators wishing to know more can log in free to the monthly 45 minute webinars on the Volvo Trucks website.

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