Ringway has become the first UK customer to take delivery of Volvo Truck’s newest model, the FM Low Entry.
The zero tailpipe-emission battery electric trucks are purpose-built for city operations, combining near-silent running with a Direct Vision Standard rating.
Ringway has selected two of the new models to replace older diesel trucks in its fleet of more than 2,000 commercial vehicles, as part of its commitment to minimising environmental impact.
Together, they will improve sustainability, bolster safety, and ensure Ringway continues to gain vital knowledge operating battery electric trucks in a real-world fleet environment.
The delivery includes a Volvo 32T FM Low Entry 8×2 Tridem, riding on full air suspension and with Thompsons tipper-grab bodywork, for undertaking Highways Maintenance to support Transport for London’s (TFL’s) Works For London highways maintenance operations.
It is joined by an FM Low Entry 4×2 18T featuring a Thompsons dropside body, also for operation on the TfL contract. It will be used to undertake street lighting operations across the capital.
Both new trucks will operate from Ringway’s Depot in East London, with the 8×2 available to work either day or night shifts, as required, stopping to re-charge back at base. The 4×2 will work through the night, and recharge between shifts.
Before placing the order, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East worked closely with Ringway to carry out a detailed route simulation. This ensured that the new electric trucks were specified with the optimal battery configuration for their intended duties.
Each vehicle is equipped with four traction batteries, providing a total capacity of 360 kWh. The simulations confirmed that this would remain fit for purpose even after seven years of service, including operation in winter temperatures.
They will operate on the TfL Red Route network across the London Boroughs of Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, City of London, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, and Southwark.
Mitesh Solanki, Ringway Managing Director said:
“Given our focus on safety, innovation and climate adaptation, the FM Low Entry met all our expectations. Initially we’ve chosen two very different applications for these new models, and we’ll be putting both vehicles through their paces to help us better understand future fleet configurations.
“Ringway has already built a wealth of experience with the 26T Volvo FE Electric we introduced last summer; that truck has been performing well. However, with the FM Low Entry we benefit from Volvo’s newest model and a chassis which can tackle heavier duty applications. We believe this is a first for the highways sector, for Volvo and London.”
“There’s a perception that every truck travels hundreds of miles per day, but even over a full shift, the diesel trucks these replace were only covering, on average, around 50 miles. This makes them ideal applications for switching to electric. What’s more, the simulation data shows us that, even in the middle of winter, and with the crane operating at every drop, the range will only have dipped just below 50 per cent by the time they return to the yard.”
Image courtesy of Ringway/Volvo FM
