Neill & Brown Global Logistics trials first electric truck

Neill & Brown Global Logistics in Humber is undertaking the its first trial of a fully electric truck from contract hire company, Vertellus.

Supplied through Premium Leasing Ltd, Thompson Commercials’s vehicle leasing arm, the 18 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D rigid is on the Vertellus 3-month EV Discovery programme, which includes the installation of a DC charger at the vehicle’s operating base at Livingstone Road, Hessle.  

Peter Brown, C.E.O, Neill & Brown says: “Reducing our environmental impact is a priority, not only for our business but also for our customers who need to demonstrate decarbonisation in the supply chain. So we need to make considered commercial decisions to minimise our fleet’s carbon footprint, and the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme is allowing us to evaluate an electric truck under real world conditions without the risks and commitment of purchasing a vehicle over the long term.”

The electric truck has joined Neill & Brown’s network logistics fleet on local deliveries, covering distribution for the HU postcode area for The Pallex Network.  

Fleet Manager, Michael Organ notes: “The electric truck is doing the work we would normally do with one of our 18 tonne rigids, it’s out by 7am and back on charge by 3pm, delivering two or three palletised loads a day. It’s a very smooth drive, and quiet too, with less noise and vibrations. It’s doing what it says on the tin.”

Sustainability is at the top of Neill & Brown’s agenda, with recent investments including the installation of solar panels at its Marfleet warehouse, and the electrification of its forklift truck fleet. The modern and growing HGV fleet is renewed on a five year cycle for maximum efficiency, and the company constantly reviews sustainable fleet management solutions, as Michael Organ adds: “EV technology is here, and we’re not going to know if it works for our operation unless we dip our toe in the water. The Vertellus EV discovery programme is helping us to inform these vital decisions for the future of our fleet.”

Peter Brown concludes: “For back to base operations delivering locally it works, and highlights the urgent need for government incentives and support, as well as investment in infrastructure, to help operators switch to electric."