Aggregate Industries launches electric-powered concrete mixer
Construction materials firm Aggregate Industries has announced the launch of its first London-based electric-powered concrete mixer.
The 26 tonne electric concrete mixer will be used in the firm’s London Concrete arm, supplying ready-mix concrete materials across the Capital. Expected to be used immediately, the custom-built Renault Trucks vehicle is the second operational electric mixer truck in the UK and the first of its kind operating in London, the firm claims.
The launch is part of a partnership between Aggregate Industries, Renault Trucks and Scotland-based McPhee Mixers, which was responsible for building the electric mixer.
It features a fully integrated, DVS-compliant connected camera and safety system, which was developed and installed by Fleet Focus.
Created to meet London’s low and ultra-low emissions zone standards, the Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide will have zero-emissions and a battery life of up to 10 hours.
It will be used to deliver Aggregate Industries’ ECOPact range of green concrete solutions that offer up to 70% carbon reductions compared to standard (CEM I) concrete, and Dynamax, a high performance concrete which enables eco-balance via reduced material requirement.
The move is the latest in the firm’s 2030 Sustainability and Net Zero Strategies, which set a number of goals to accelerate the business’ transition to net zero and lead construction’s pathway to a sustainable future. Through the plan, it has additionally committed to upgrading its 2,000-strong fleet of corporate cars and vans to electric vehicles (EV) by 2030.
Kirstin McCarthy, Sustainability Director at Aggregate Industries, said: “As we look to the future, the global transition to EVs will play a central role in the world’s wider decarbonisation aims and is something which must happen in construction at pace. In this vein, this launch marks just the first start of our transformational journey to supply sustainable construction materials to customers via the greenest means possible.”
Daniel King, Director of London Concrete, said: “Having this truck is a crucial next step (…) enabling us to distribute to customers all across London with the absolutely minimum environmental impact.”
Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product development for Renault Trucks, said: “The benefits of a fully electric concrete mixer are greatest in our cities, so Renault Trucks are delighted that London Concrete is bringing the benefits of reduced noise and reduced emissions to the Capital.”
Kevin Walker, Technical Director at TVS Interfleet, added: “The e-mixer is a great example of the level of innovation that can be achieved through collaborative working, with the result being a vehicle that features no less than seven new patents. The e-mixer not only plays a vital role in the decarbonisation of the construction sector, but new features also increase safety and lowers noise output on busy sites.”