Hertfordshire haulage specialists invest in electric truck as sustainability drive gathers pace

A Hertfordshire logistics specialist has invested in its first electric HGV as part of its ongoing sustainability drive and transition to a lower-carbon future. Aztek Logistics will be able to charge the new DAF XB Electric 19-tonne vehicle at its Letchworth Garden City headquarters, thanks to the 482 m2 of solar panels it fitted to the entire length of its 25,000 sq. ft high-bay warehouse last year. As an early adopter in the electric HGV market, Aztek plans to road-test the DAF XB in real-life conditions to give it a better understanding of its performance and the charging infrastructure available to it.

The vehicle was welcomed to the fleet in early September, with its maiden voyage delivering around Letchworth Garden City, home to Aztek's headquarters. The vehicle boasts a 190kW motor, 282kWh battery pack and Paccar curtain side body, making it ideal for pallet networks and local deliveries. Stuart Charter, founder and managing director of Aztek Logistics, said: "The addition of this new EV to our fleet is the next step in our sustainability strategy, which started in earnest with our solar panel installation last year.

"That work has already enabled us to be carbon-neutral in the warehouse, and export energy back into the grid for use by local homes and businesses. "The energy created on-site will help power this latest addition to our fleet, which firmly puts us in the camp of early adopters in the electric HGV market. We're excited to see how the vehicle performs in the real world."

To integrate the new vehicle into its fleet, Aztek has partnered with electric vehicle specialists HTC Group and EV fleet management experts Flexible Power Systems. Tony Dumpleton, from HTC Group, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen by Aztek Logistics to start their electric journey and gain practical operational experience in their transition to lower carbon transport. "Stuart clearly recognises the advantages of trying this technology sooner rather than later to make better informed decisions with regards to electric trucks and the charging infrastructure.

"Together with Flexible Power Systems, we have worked to provide a one-stop solution for Aztek Logistics, not only with the vehicle but in providing the charger, back office software and future route planning analysis. "With this investment, Aztek is truly raising the levels of service it can offer customers in developing sustainable transport solutions." Michael Ayres, managing director of Flexible Power Systems, said: "Early adopters like Aztek Logistics are trailblazers for the decarbonisation of the sector.

"We're proud to be working with them and HTC through our infrastructure and unique software solutions which enable these first electric vehicles to better mesh with operational requirements."

Aztek is a member of the Wolverhampton-based Pallet-Track network, and won a Platinum Award marking its outstanding contribution to the network for the sixth consecutive year in February.

For more information on Aztek Logistics, visit www.azteklogistics.co.uk or search for Aztek Logistics on social media.