TNT Express UK will expand its fleet of all-electric delivery vehicles this year with a further20 zero-emission Smith Electric Vehicles Newton trucks to reduce carbon emissions and operating
costs.The first 20 of the latest generation of zero-emission Smith Electric Vehicles Newton truckswill be introduced on 20 of TNT’s delivery rounds by the first quarter of 2013 at TNT depots inBarking, Enfield, Bristol, Birmingham and Leeds.
TNT said it has operated a significant fleet of all-electric trucks in the express deliverymarket for several years. In 2006 the company announced plans to introduce some 100 electric trucksfrom Smith Electric Vehicles in the UK, China and Australia, with about 50 planned for the Britishmarket.
The express operator said its valuable input into how and where the electric trucks are used hashelped manufacturer Smith Electric lead the way in zero-emission vehicle design. In addition totheir environmental benefits, Newton vehicles are less expensive to own and operate thantraditional diesel vehicles.
Simon Harper, Director of Operations TNT Express, said: “In line with our drive to reduce ourimpact on the environment, we are always looking to make the most of technological advances inlow-emission vehicle design.
“While continuing to reduce carbon emissions, this next generation of all-electric trucks hassignificant improvements in reliability which will be good news for our customers. Greater range,coupled with an easier charging process, will enable us to improve our service levels.”
TNT noted that reliability improvements include a more efficient charging system that maintainspower stored in the Lithium batteries when the vehicle is not in use or plugged in. “Once charged,the battery stays charged when the unit is shut down whereas older batteries needed to stay oncharge whenever the vehicle was idle,” Harper explained.
The all-electric vehicle replacement is part of a wider programme to upgrade the TNT fleet. TNTExpress has achieved recertification to the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of the company’scontinued efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith Electric Vehicles, said: “TNT Express has been on the leading edge offleet electrification for years. TNT takes a hands-on role in the continuous development andimprovement of all-electric commercial vehicle technology, making them an important partner forSmith as we build mainstream adoption around the world.”
