The family-owned Fox Group is championing the transition from diesel to battery-electric heavy trucks with the introduction of two new Volvo FE Electric tippers into its fleet.

The tippers are the first of their kind to be delivered anywhere in the UK.

The pair will operate from the company’s depot in Leyland, where charging infrastructure has been installed to support both the trucks and staff vehicles, as a clear demonstration of the firm’s road-to-zero commitment.

Volvo Trucks and supplying dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials worked closely with Fox Group to determine the optimal specification for the vehicles, using the manufacturer’s Electric Range Simulator – which considers multiple factors about a customer’s operation, including payload, routes, driving hours and charging infrastructure.

‘Start of the electrification of our fleet’

Paul Fox, the managing director of the Blackpool-based business, said: “This purchase marks the start of the electrification of our fleet. 

“We understand we are the first company in the UK to invest in electric tippers – and one of the first in Europe.”

He added: “We are strongly committed to playing our part in the UK’s push to reach net zero and we will be making more of our fleet electric in the future. 

“This milestone is just the beginning of the journey, and we believe if the country is serious about substantially reducing carbon emissions, the construction sector needs to join the party – and we are proud to be playing our part and leading from the front.”

FE Electric 6×2 rigids are plated at 27-tonnes

The FE Electric 6×2 rigids are plated at 27-tonnes – one tonne more than a standard three-axle rigid – which helps to offset the additional weight of the batteries. 

They feature a day cab, full air suspension and a hydraulically-steered rear axle for exceptional manoeuvrability – perfect when operating in urban areas or accessing building sites with restricted access. 

They also offer a range of 93 miles on a full charge from their four battery packs, considering PTO usage – making them ideal for Fox Group’s local work.

The FE Electric powertrain consists of two electric motors and a two-speed gearbox, with power being generated by an electric motor with an output of 400 kW. 

The trucks can use different drive modes to help set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels.

They will operate primarily on local contracts for customers

Mounted with Thompsons tipper bodywork, they will operate primarily on local contracts for customers including Lancashire County Council, being used to move materials to and from construction sites, before returning to base each night to be recharged.

Thomas Hardie Commercials delivered them into service backed by a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which includes preventative maintenance and repairs, and the monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components. 

Christian Coolsaet, the managing director of Volvo Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “We have an obligation towards the planet and future generations to be sustainable, and the team at Fox Group are setting a fantastic example by becoming early-adopters of a new generation of vehicles which are cleaner, greener and quieter.

“And which have been developed using the same technology already deployed by Volvo Group in thousands of electrified buses operating worldwide.”

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