The zero-tailpipe emission trucks, which replace outgoing diesel models, will be powered by electricity from CHP (combined heat and power) generators, which harness gas produced through United Utilities own anaerobic digesters, providing a fully sustainable fuel source.
A ‘Cleaner roads for a greener tomorrow’ strapline adorns each new truck, part of a specially designed livery that was created via an internal competition at the business.
John Blackmore, head of bioresource and energy operations at United Utilities, said: “United Utilities has set a challenging ambition to transition to an alternatively-fuelled fleet. We have looked at a number of different alternative fuel types such as biomethane, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and now electric, undertaking trials, analysis and modelling to help inform what fits best for each of our different applications.
“Volvo has been a trusted partner in this process and the new FM Electrics are the latest step on this journey. We can’t wait to see how they bed in.”
United Utilities’ new arrivals form part of the ‘Electric Freightway’ project led by GRIDSERVE and funded as part of the Department for Transport and Innovate UK-backed Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. The scheme will run until 2030 and aims to lay the foundations for one of the biggest and most advanced charging networks designed specifically for electric trucks, while also building an evidence base on which zero emission HGV technology is better suited for specific use-cases.
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