Liverpool-based Kirkby Skips has taken delivery of five new Volvo FE Electric 4×2 rigids as it looks to decarbonise its fleet of 18-tonne skiploaders.
The vehicles replace five older diesel units in the business’ 20-strong commercial vehicle fleet, following the successful trial of a demonstrator vehicle supplied by dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials.
Power is delivered by two electric motors, generating a peak torque of 850 Nm and driven by a two-speed transmission.
Equipped with three batteries, the FEs will charge overnight at the haulier’s depot, with each full charge offering a projected range of about 125 miles – suitable for its local work collecting and delivering skips across Merseyside.
Each truck is mounted with Boughton Engineering skiploader bodywork, including sheeting system and remote control.
They also benefit from front and rear air suspension, chassis side skirts, an eight-tonne front axle, 11.5-tonne rear axle and Dura-Bright alloy wheels.
In addition, the FE Electrics are backed by a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract, including proactive monitoring of the batteries and associated components.
They will operate 10 hours a day, six days a week, and are expected to clock up about 28,000 miles per year.
Peter Groves, Director at Kirkby Skips, said, “As a company we are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon emissions, while also helping our customers achieve their Net Zero targets.
“The demonstrator was with us for a week and during that time it showed quite clearly that the range would be absolutely no issue, with our daily operations comfortably handled on one charge.”
