We’ve trialled an electric skip lorry

We recently trialled a new electric lorry to deliver our skips to customers’ homes and businesses.

We added the FE Electric, which is the only Volvo Trucks’ electric skip-loader available, to our fleet as a try-out thanks to Exeter-based Stuarts Truck & Bus.

Paul Callow, our Transport Manager, said: “As a waste recycling company, we’re continuously looking for ways to improve our carbon footprint and reduce our environmental impact.

“We’d like to sincerely thank Stuarts Truck & Bus for giving us this exciting opportunity to trial this new fully electric skip lorry. The feedback from our drivers has been very good. They reported a smooth ride and great control – with no loss on performance when compared to a diesel vehicle.”

During the trial, the Volvo FE Electric was used to deliver and collect skips to a wide customer base in and around Bridgwater.  

Paul added: “As a planet-aware company, we’re always looking at innovative ways to help us achieve our sustainability goals and were very fortunate to test out this zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle.

“During the few days we had it, we were hugely impressed by the quality of the lorry, and the fact that Volvo Trucks already has a full range of electric vehicles available. We’re not yet able to change our current trucks but when we are, we’ll be chatting to Stuarts Truck & Bus again.

“We’re delighted to be trailblazers in this area; working towards helping create a greener future for us and our industry. We’ve been around for more than 90 years as a company and, while we’re very proud of our heritage, we’re also looking to the future for the next generation.”

The Volvo FE Electric trialled by us was mounted with a multi-lift skip loader and powered by two electric motors, generating a peak torque of 850 Nm.

Driven by a two-speed transmission, the FE Electric’s power is handled by a unique traction control system and has been developed to master even slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort, and energy usage levels.

It can be recharged in just 2.3 hours using the 150kW DC charger.