Alliance Flooring Distribution (ADL) has taken delivery of two Volvo FM Electric 4×2 trucks and an FH Aero 460 6×2 tractor unit, marking the business’ latest investments in its ambitious sustainability journey.
The new vehicles – supplied by Jamie Stanley, Area Sales Manager, Hartshorne Group – join two identical FM Electrics delivered in early 2024, with all five Volvos now operating from the customer’s recently opened carbon-neutral Worcester distribution centre. This facility features numerous emissions-saving additions including solar panels and a truck wash which uses harvested rainwater, on a site featuring more than 2,000 trees and shrubs.
Phil Yates, Managing Director, ADL, says: “Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and by incorporating Volvo’s electric trucks alongside the sleek FH Aero we’re taking significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint.
“Volvo played a key role in this process by helping us assess the optimal routes for our electric trucks with their range simulator, ensuring that we can maximise each truck’s potential. They also supported us in getting the necessary charging infrastructure in place at our site, allowing us to seamlessly integrate these vehicles into our fleet and fully realise their emissions-saving potential.”
Equipped with the maximum six batteries, ADL’s FM Electrics each offer a range of approximately 300 km and can be fully charged in just 2.5 hours with a 250kW DC charger, or 9.5 hours on a 43kW AC charger.
The trucks both feature three electrical motors – generating an output of 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque – paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox to deliver a smooth and ultra-quiet in-cab driving experience.
ADL’s new FH Aero will also play an important role in achieving its decarbonisation goals. The truck benefits from a sleek aerodynamic cab which is 24 centimetres longer than the standard FH, resulting in energy consumption and emissions reductions of up to five per cent. Volvo’s new Camera Monitoring System (CMS), which replaces traditional exterior mirrors, also contributes to these savings.
The diesel truck features a Euro VI-compliant D13TC Step E engine, producing 460 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm, paired with a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control to yield further sustainability benefits.
“While it is still early days the FH Aero’s fuel economy has been truly remarkable with the truck registering as much as 12 mpg on average,” adds Yates. “If the rest of our fleet could deliver those sorts of figures, I would be a happy man!”
The electric trucks will work Monday through Friday collecting carpets produced in Wales and hauling them to ADL’s Worcester distribution centre for onward nationwide delivery. The FH Aero will also be on the road five days per week, delivering the business’ products across the UK, and clocking up approximately 125,000 km annually. They all replace competitor brand trucks in the fleet.
Boasting more than 25 years of industry experience, ADL operates from four strategically located distribution sites across the UK, with facilities also in Hartlepool, Hemel Hempstead and Newbridge. The business also holds nationwide capacity to store more than 50,000 rolls of soft flooring, artificial grass and rolled vinyl, plus 10,000 pallets.
