TNT Express is thinking about launching a potentially revolutionary, zero-emission electric lorrythroughout Europe, shortly after first trials of the vehicle began in London.
The 7.5 tonne non-polluting truck, known as the Newton, was only put on trial in London latelast year, but TNT said in a statement that, “only days” after the tests began, it had begun afeasibility study into deploying the vehicle in other major European cities.
“We are looking at the viability of introducing these ground-breaking zero emissions vehiclesin other major European cities – a move that will further consolidate our position at the top ofthe ‘green league’ in the transportation sector,” said TNT CEO Peter Bakker.
“We’re committed to significantly reducing controlled and CO2 emissions from the TNT fleet,not just in the UK but across mainland Europe,” he added.
The Newton was developed by Smith Electric Vehicles, based in the north-east of England. TNTExpress has been trying out the vehicle in London with a view to ordering a further 200 Newtons forits UK fleet. TNT’s initiative has been praised by the UK government.
Powered by four large ‘Zebra’ 278v batteries on its underside, the truck can travel at up to50 miles (80 km) an hour. Fully charged, the vehicle has a range of 130 miles (208km). It can berecharged on board, through domestic mains or a standard three-phase socket.
As well as being zero emission, the Newton’s body panels are built from an ultra light,recyclable material which substantially reduces body weight and increases payload capacity.
The vehicle is also exempt from the London congestion charge – approximately GBP 1,750 a year– and incurs no road tax. The cost of recharging the battery is estimated to be GBP 25 a week,which compares favourably with the GBP 110 that can be expected to be spent on the weekly fuel fora diesel vehicle, says TNT.
