Knowles Logistics deploys electric trucks on Princes' contract

Knowles Logistics has taken delivery of three Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units that will operate on a short-shunt operation for its customer  Princes Limited, an international food and drink company.

The FM Electrics will run on 100 per cent clean energy – 15 per cent of which is generated via on-site solar panels – and is estimated to save 260,000 kg of C0 2 per annum. They will be charged via a 150kW on-site fast charger, with top-up charges carried out during each driver’s 45-minute statutory rest break, ensuring they can be double shifted and remain in operation 24/7.

The three vehicles have been supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East’s Key Account Manager, Alan Didwell, in a five-battery configuration, ensuring the optimum combination of range and payload capacity for local work. They will run continuously between Princes’ manufacturing sites 10 miles away in Long Sutton, and two miles away in Wisbech, directly into Knowles’ warehousing facilities – each clocking-up around 80,000km per year.

Alex Knowles, Managing Director of Knowles Logistics, says: “‘As one of the fastest growing transport providers in the country, this is a great milestone on our sustainability journey. This latest investment in a clear demonstration of how we work with customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their logistics operations.

“What we’ve been able to achieve with these FM Electrics is nothing short of impressive. They perform as direct replacements for diesel vehicles on a factory clearance application, with fast charging meaning they stop for very short periods whilst topping up. What’s more, by carefully planning our loading configuration, we can take full advantage of being able to operate at 42-tonnes on five axles. This is a weight-critical application, and we’re pretty much hitting the same payload figures as a diesel truck achieves.”