Warburtons adds electric Fuso eCanter to fleet

Warburtons has taken delivery of an electric 7.5-tonne Fuso eCanter, which will operate from Warburtons’ Bolton headquarters.

Warburtons operates a ‘primary’ fleet of 125 tractor units, which trunk nightly between a nationwide network of bakeries, each of which specialises in a different product range. The eCanter has joined its ‘secondary fleet’ of 800 rigid trucks, which undertake local deliveries to customers from 23 locations stretching from Aberdeen to Newton Abbot.

Steve Gray, Warburtons national transport manager, said: “Like all transport operators, we’re conscious of the increasing prevalence of emissions-based restrictions, particularly in city centres, and appreciate that there’s only one direction of travel.

“Zero-emission truck technology is still in its infancy, of course, but the limitations on range which remain the biggest barrier to widespread adoption are not necessarily an issue for Warburtons. This is because many of our trucks are already on low-mileage work. We’ve therefore decided to acquire a Fuso eCanter, as this vehicle aligns perfectly with our operating profile.”

“Our first impressions of the eCanter are certainly positive,” added Gray. “Its range is more than adequate for our needs and it has been well received by our drivers. It’s smaller than a conventional 7.5-tonner and this compact footprint, coupled with an excellent turning circle that makes it highly manoeuvrable, is a definite advantage for city centre work.”

The Fuso eCanter has a useable battery capacity of 66kWh, giving a range of around 62 miles.