Saint-Gobain is introducing six Volvo fully electric HGVs to its UK fleet, in partnership with XPO Logistics, as part of the government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
The five tractor units and one rigid unit will begin operating between April and June from the Saint-Gobain logistics hub in Gotham, Nottinghamshire.
Also, the pair have partnered with Gridserve to create a hub at the site, which includes six charge points that will charge the eHGVs to 80% in 90 minutes and fully charge them in under two hours.
The trial will see a real world trial of electric HGV trucks over a five-year period, that will make an anticipated 12,000-plus customer deliveries for Saint-Gobain.
The Gotham hub will support customer deliveries from both British Gypsum East Leake and the Saint-Gobain Midlands DC during the programme, which aims to achieve two delivery cycles per vehicle per day across the Midlands.
Saint-Gobain and XPO Logistics have been working closely on the eHGV project for more than 18 months.
Dean O’Sullivan, CEO of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, said, “Trialling six zero-exhaust emission HGVs across the midlands is another step forward for us.
“The extended operational trials of the all-electric vehicles are part of our wider journey to reduce the impact of our business and ultimately meet our goal to be a net-zero carbon business.
“We’ll be working closely with customers during this period and our drivers to get their feedback and see how all-electric HGVs at scale can fit into our logistics service offer.
“We’re excited to see what’s possible as we push for cleaner, smarter deliveries that support our customers.”
