TNT has expanded its fleet of electric-powered, zero emission delivery vehicles in Britain with thedelivery of 23 trucks to nine depots around the country. The move is part of the international
rollout of the world’s largest fleet of electric trucks under TNT’s ambition to become the firstzero emissions delivery company.The Dutch postal and express operator is investing £7 million in a 100-strong fleet of uniquebattery-powered trucks that will replace their diesel equivalents in 24 locations in England andScotland over the next 18 months.
During August, 23 trucks were delivered to TNT’s depots in Bristol (4), Leeds (3), Leicester(3), Nottingham (3), Enfield (3), Bradford (2), Byfleet (2), Maidstone (2) and Wellingborough (1).
Tom Bell, Managing Director, TNT Express Services UK & Ireland, said: “Global warming isthe biggest issue the world is now facing. As a transportation company TNT contributes to thisproblem, which is why we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.State-of-the-art electric vehicles are a great alternative to those that use fossil fuels,especially in urban areas.”
The 7.5 tonne ‘Newton’ trucks, manufactured by UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles, can travelup to 70 miles a day at speeds of up to 50mph. The four large sodium nickel chloride 278v batteriesunderneath the vehicle can be fully charged from flat in approximately eight hours. Costing just 7pper mile in electricity to run, the Newton also represents a significant saving in fuel costscompared to diesel.
” This is a huge step forward for our fleet in both environmental as well as economicalterms,” Bell added. “On average it costs just £40-a-week to power a zero emission vehicle asopposed to around £200 spent on diesel fuel. The electric vehicles are also exempt from the Londoncongestion charge – approximately £1,750 a year – and do not incur road tax in the UK. It’s a clearwin-win situation and one that we hope others will follow.”
