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Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd has taken delivery of what is believed to be the first 100% electric truck working for a builders’ merchant in the UK.
The Bradford based merchant, which is part of the Joseph Parr Group, will use to electric truck to carry out deliveries whilst also reducing the company’s environmental impact.
The environmentally-friendly vehicle was part funded by a grant from Bradford Council, which will monitor the truck’s impact closely – via data from Volvo Connect, the manufacturer’s fleet management system – as it tries to cut carbon emissions in the city’s Clean Air Zone and wider areas.
Michael Beaumont, joint managing director at Joseph Parr (Alco), said: “Regulations across the industry are changing and we want to ensure we are ahead of the curve in terms of new green technologies.
“When the decision was made to go down the electric route, Volvo Trucks was the obvious choice.
“We had one Volvo on the fleet already and they are clearly leading the way when it comes to electric.”
He added: “The electric truck has been making deliveries for the last few weeks and is performing as planned – I’m really happy with how it’s going. Our customers can choose the truck for their particular delivery if they so wish. I believe that this truck demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions. It also sets us apart from our competitors.”
A newly-installed 43kW AC charger at the company’s depot allows the truck to charge overnight before heading out to complete its deliveries the next day.
As well as working in Bradford, the firm also uses the FM Electric for operations in Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Manchester.
A spokesperson from Volvo said the electric truck was providing the company with “instant environmental benefits”.
