Knowles Transport has purchased a new electric truck, a first for the fleet. The V19T olvo FE Electric is now on the road and running on a local collection and delivery schedule.
Knowles was initially running a three-week trial of the Volvo FE Electric to establish its viability as part of the Knowles fleet. Following a positive response from drivers and alleviated worries about range during the trial, Knowles also invested in a 150kWh supercharger that is capable of charging the vehicle within two hours.
The Volvo FE Electric is a 4×2 wheeled 23ft curtainside fitted with a tail lift and features twin electric motors producing 225kWh and 850Nm torque with a Volvo 2-speed gearbox. The total energy storage of the vehicle is 265kWh which helps the truck to maintain a 200Km range.
“This is Knowles putting our money where our mouth is”. said Alex Knowles, Managing Director of Knowles Transport. “There are plenty out their marketing their sustainability credentials without backing it up with investment, Knowles is not one of them. We are really excited about this step into the future we are making with our new Volvo FE Electric, All the drivers in our fleet were keen to take part in our three-week trial earlier this year. This new electric truck will be the first of many for Knowles as we push forward on our road to net zero.”
“The Volvo FE Electric will provide a perfect urban platform for Knowles, the 200km range of the vehicle makes it limited in its long-range capabilities however it proves ideal for collection and delivery within the region where it will be applied. Our investment in a 150kWh charging unit on the site at which this vehicle is based allows us to charge the vehicle in two hours, making this operable over two shifts if required,” concluded Alex.
Knowles has been extremely stringent in its fleet replacement programme which sees older trucks replaced with newer more fuel-efficient vehicles, the Volvo FE Electric provides an added boost to this campaign.
