Tesco has taken delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 4×2 tractor unit as part of its commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its commercial vehicle fleet.
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 Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, the new FM Electric with Globetrotter cab will operate with various trailer types and lengths and be used to deliver goods to stores across Greater London, Suffolk, Essex and Kent, hauling ambient grocery items seven days a week.
The FM Electric is powered by three electrical motors, generating 2,400 Nm of continuous torque. These motors are paired with Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox, which constantly evaluates information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand.
The truck is backed with a five-year Volvo Gold Contract covering all maintenance and repairs, and including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components, to guarantee Tesco maximum uptime.
Equipped with the maximum six batteries, it offers a range of approximately 300km and will primarily be charged on site in Thurrock. It has a charging time of just 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.
Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said, “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.”
