United Utilities has added four new Volvo FM Electric 6×2 tractor units to its commercial vehicle fleet as the business pushes ahead with its ambitious decarbonisation targets.
The zero-tailpipe emission trucks, which replace outgoing diesel models, will be powered by electricity from combined heat and power (CHP) generators, which harness gas produced through United Utilities own anaerobic digesters, providing a fully sustainable fuel source.
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the FM Electrics feature the maximum six batteries, as well as three electrical motors generating an output of 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque.
Each electric tractor unit will be paired with a bulk tipping trailer.
They offer a range of approximately 300 km on a single charge, which is more than enough for United Utilities’ selected operations – collecting sludge cake from regional dewatering feeder sites and transporting the loads back to the firm’s Manchester Bioresource Centre for anaerobic digestion.
The FM Electrics – which are expected to clock-up about 75,000 miles per year – are covered by a Volvo Gold Contract which includes preventative maintenance and repairs, plus the monitoring of key systems such as batteries and other critical components.
John Blackmore, Head of Bioresource and Energy Operations at United Utilities, said, “Our sites, located across the North West, are accessed by different road networks and geography which provides a good test bed for the electric trucks.
“The trucks will be double shifted, working up to seven days a week, and will have access to recharging points at our flagship Manchester site 24 hours a day.”
