Baked goods manufacturer Warburtons has added four electric HGVs to its fleet and has purchased its first two electric vans, as it continues to decarbonise its transport network.
Four Renault Trucks E-Tech D16s have joined the fleet, following the successful deployment of its first 16-tonne electric truck in Enfield, north London. Additionally, Warburtons has acquired four Renault Trucks E-Tech D16s as the electrification of its operations accelerates.
Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer JDS Trucks & Vans, the four E-Tech D16s have joined Warburtons’ secondary fleet and will deliver fresh bakery products direct to stores across the UK. The vehicles will operate from four of Warburtons bakeries in Enfield, Glasgow (Bellshill), Bristol and Bolton. The vans will be located at Enfield and Bristol.
Steven Gray, head of transport at Warburtons, commented: “The performance of our first 16-tonne electric truck has given us the confidence to make this significant investment in four further E-Tech D16s.
“By carefully planning the first vehicle, studying routes, diminishing loads and tail-lift systems, we specified the right vehicle for the job, which has delivered the same quality of service to our customers with zero emissions. We have also had excellent feedback from our drivers who enjoy the quieter, smoother ride, and with any initial range anxiety soon put to rest.”
All four of Warburtons’ electric HGVs are E-Tech D16 4×2 rigids with box bodies by Fosters Commercials and Dhollandia tail lifts. They are powered by 265 kWh, 600 V E-Tech lithium-ion batteries.
Gray added: “Our secondary fleet, which delivers products direct to stores, is ideal for electric vehicles, as most routes are low stem mileage of less than 100 miles, making around 30–35 deliveries.
“All vehicles are on the road by 4am, returning by lunchtime with long dwell times back at base that are perfect for charging, using 22 kW EV charging points installed by EO.”
Aftersales support for the electric HGVs will be provided by the local Renault Trucks dealers in each of the areas they are deployed.
[Image credit: Renault Trucks/Warburtons]
