Alltruck on course for net zero as first EV truck joins leasing sector
Alltruck plc, a UK commercial vehicle contract hire specialist, has introduced its first all-electric truck to the leasing sector. Founded in 1990, Alltruck operates depots in Nottingham, Leicester, and Loughborough, supported by a network of Alltruck-approved repair centres throughout the UK. Designed for both short and long-haul logistics, including urban and multi-drop deliveries, the DAF XD Electric has entered service with a long standing Alltruck customer in the London area.
The truck is fitted with a GRP box body, roller shutter and tuck-away tail lift, with a gross vehicle weight of approximately 20 tonnes. Its 200-mile range makes it ideally suited for busy work in the capital's low emission zone (LEZ). Supplied and supported by DAF dealer group, Ford and Slater Leicester, the truck is powered by a PACCAR EX permanent magnet e-motor and equipped with high-capacity, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.
This ensures an extended range on a single charge and reduced downtime between routes. Furthermore, the new DAF XD Electric features cutting-edge fleet management systems, including real-time monitoring of battery health, route optimisation, and predictive maintenance, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency. The truck body was manufactured and fitted by Alltruck at its Loughborough Bodyshop.
"The introduction of this, our first EV truck marks a significant step on our Alltruck Zero journey and a major leap forward in the transition to sustainable transport for our customers," says Josh Robinson, Managing Director, Alltruck plc.'' To this end, and in keeping with the UK Government's 2050 net zero greenhouse emissions target, Alltruck Zero aims not only to achieve sustainability goals but also to offer significant cost savings on fuel and maintenance. "HGVs account for 18% of road transport emissions and 13% of nitrogen oxide levels - big footprint," says Josh. "But we know the shift to electric isn't just about doing the right thing for the planet. It's also about the numbers. With electric trucks, the total cost of ownership picture looks very different - especially when you factor in lower maintenance, reduced energy costs and long-term operational gains. That's why our new EV truck isn't just a greener choice; it's a smarter investment that delivers value over time, despite the challenges of residual value forecasting and higher upfront costs.''
Alltruck embarked on its Alltruck Zero initiative in 2020 with the introduction of its first zero-emissions vehicle, a Mercedes Benz eSprinter van - also currently operating in the London LEZ. The eSprinter was one of the first to enter a commercial vehicle rental company and the very first to have an auxiliary battery-powered fridge unit. "Our journey to net zero continues at pace," says Josh. "Launching this new EV truck is a big milestone, but it's only part of the picture. What makes this transition truly possible is the infrastructure behind the scenes. Our in-house bodyshop gives us the capability to build, adapt and maintain high-quality, future-ready bodies designed specifically for electric vehicles. This combination of cutting-edge trucks and real engineering expertise is helping to create a cleaner, more resilient future for logistics and freight.''
Either for single vans or an entire fleet of electric trucks, as partners in sustainability, Alltruck offers end-to-end solutions spanning EV availability and range expectations, to charging infrastructure options, maintenance and aftermarket support.