Joseph Parr (Alco) has taken delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 6×2 rigid, believed to be the
first zero-tailpipe heavy-duty truck working for a builders’ merchant in the UK.
The new FM Electric will operate predominantly from the business’ Bradford depot, carrying
out back-to-base customer deliveries. It was part funded by a grant from Bradford City
Council, which will monitor the truck’s impact closely – via data from Volvo Connect, the
manufacturer’s fleet management system – as it tries to drive down carbon emissions in the
city’s Clean Air Zone and wider areas.

Michael Beaumont, Joint Managing Director at Joseph Parr (Alco), says: “Regulations across
the industry are changing and we want to ensure we are ahead of the curve in terms of new
green technologies.

“When the decision was made to go down the electric route, Volvo Trucks was the obvious
choice. We had one Volvo on the fleet already and they are clearly leading the way when it
comes to electric.”

The new FM Electric will replace a diesel model from a rival manufacturer in the business’
five-strong HGV delivery fleet, offering instant benefits when it comes to driving down the
company’s carbon footprint.

Supplied by Jason Robinson, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the new
vehicle has a four-battery configuration, ensuring the perfect combination of range and
payload capacity for Joseph Parr’s building material supply deliveries.

Built on a 5,200mm wheelbase, the rear steer tag axle FM Electric – fitted with a Palfinger
BM 26 crane – is powered by two electrical motors which generate 450 hp and will operate
at a 28-tonnes gross vehicle weight.

“Despite the additional weight of the batteries, we actually see a slight payload advantage
over the traditional 26-tonne diesel trucks we run,” adds Beaumont. “That was an important
factor as we are pretty much up to full weight every time our trucks go out.”

A newly-installed 43kW AC charger at the company’s depot will allow the truck to charge
overnight before heading out to complete its deliveries the next day. As well as working in
Bradford, the business will also use the FM Electric for operations in Leeds, Wakefield,
Huddersfield, Halifax and Manchester.

The FM Electric is backed by a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which will see
all maintenance undertaken at the local dealership in Birstall. The contract also guarantees
the performance of the traction batteries beyond the two-year warranty that comes with the
truck as standard, for customer peace of mind.

The specification includes a day cab, while the truck’s exterior has been enhanced with a
striking Naval Blue livery, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, chassis side skirts and two roof
amber beacons.

Joseph Parr (Alco) is part of the Joseph Parr Group. Founded in 1883, the company has
grown to become one of the largest independent builders’ merchants in the country.