Londonenergy’s new VOLVO FM electric helps turn waste into renewable power

Waste and resource management expert LondonEnergy has taken delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 6x2 tractor unit to maximise the decarbonisation potential of its operations. Supplied by Stephen Askew, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new all-electric vehicle will be tasked with collecting unrecyclable waste from the business' transfer station, in Islington. A portion will then be delivered to its energy centre, in Edmonton, where it will be turned into renewable electricity to power 80,000 homes every year, while any dry mixed recycling will be transported to a local Material Recycling Facility for processing.

Gareth Stephens, Transport and Logistics Manager, LondonEnergy, says: "With the growing concern around climate change it is vital that as an industry we continue to consider how alternatively fuelled HGVs could help us to decarbonise. Ultimately, this is what led us to Volvo Trucks. "We looked at the other options available in the market, but we quickly concluded that the Volvo product is the most mature offering available.

The Volvo team - both in the UK and in Sweden - went above and beyond to help us fully understand how an electric truck could benefit our operations. We are excited to get started and use the new truck." The customer's FM Electric - which is three-star Direct Vision Standard compliant - features the maximum six batteries, as well as three electrical motors generating an output of 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque. It is paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox, creating a smooth and ultra-quiet in-cab driving experience.

This impressive performance is handled by an electromobility traction control system to help manage power output on slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are also available to set desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels. Offering a range of approximately up to 300 km, the vehicle can be recharged in just 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.

To maximise operational use, LondonEnergy has also taken a five-year Volvo Connect subscription, providing access to a host of digital and connected services via a user-friendly portal through which the business can access a wealth of data to help analyse fleet operation to ensure optimal vehicle performance. Paired with a custom-built Legras walking floor compactor trailer, the FM Electric will operate Monday through Friday. It will complete four to five trips a day before returning to base to charge overnight, where Volvo has assisted with the installation of a 43 kW AC charger as well as ensuring there is sufficient capacity for a further five chargers to be fitted when required.

The truck is also fully backed through a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime.

This includes preventative maintenance and repairs, plus the monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components.

Based in Edmonton, LondonEnergy has delivered waste and resource management services across north London for more than 50 years.