London-based waste and recycling management business Powerday has taken delivery of two electric Volvo FM Low Entry 8×4 rigids, both installed with hookloader equipment.
Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus South & East, each rigid is equipped with four traction batteries – providing a total capacity of 360kWh – plus Boughton bodywork.
Based on Volvo’s FM model, the battery electric FM Low Entry’s cab has been lowered and moved forward, and features a low instep and flat floor.
Before placing the order, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East worked closely with Powerday to carry out a detailed route simulation to ensure the trucks were specified with the optimal battery configuration for their intended duties.
They will be recharged using the previously installed 150kW DC charger at Powerday’s Willesden Junction site.
Both rigids – each expected to clock up to 30,000km per year – are backed by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract.
This guarantees the performance of the traction batteries beyond the two-year warranty that comes with the truck as standard.
Edward Crossan, CEO, Powerday, said, “Having successfully introduced two Volvo FE Electric skiploaders in 2024, we believe the time is right to trial electric hookloaders as the next step.
“The FM Low Entry gives us a strong platform to move faster on safety and sustainability simultaneously, reinforcing our drive to cut emissions while improving how we work.
“In a carbon intensive transport environment, progress comes from innovation and the willingness to adopt new technology early, and we see Volvo Trucks as the ideal collaborator in achieving our decarbonisation goals.
“We will keep testing, learning, and investing in lower carbon technology that can earn its place in the fleet through proven performance, reliability, and day-to-day usability.”
