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Tag: lorries

Electric Trucks Market Booming, says Volvo

Posted on by David Priestman

Volvo Trucks has now sold more than 4,300 electric trucks globally in more than 38 countries, while in Europe it is leading the way with a 32 per cent share of the market for heavy electric CVs/lorries. In 2022, Europe’s heavy electric CV market grew by 200 per cent to 1,041 units, with Volvo setting the pace.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, says: “We are determined to lead the electric truck transformation and our market leading position in 2022, not only in Europe, but also in North America, is proof that we are doing just that. Although the market for electric trucks is still small compared to the traditional diesel variants, the trend is clear: many of our customers are now starting their own shift to electric. We intend to be the catalyst for this transition and aim for 50 per cent of our global sales of new trucks to be electric in 2030.”

Since Volvo Trucks started production of fully electric CVs in 2019, the company has sold more than 4,300 electric trucks/lorries in more than 38 countries around the world. Volvo currently offers the industry’s broadest product line-up of electric models in series production, catering to a very wide variety of operational domains both in and between cities.

“We now have a product portfolio that can cover most types of transportation for all kinds of customers,” adds Alm. “Looking at the goods flow patterns in Europe, it’s clearly possible to electrify nearly half of all those transport operations with our line-up of electric lorries. We see it as our mission to support our customers in making that happen.”

The 10 largest markets for electric lorries, based on number of registrations ≥16 tonnes, in Europe are:

1. Germany – 198
2. Sweden – 169
3. Norway – 150
4. France – 118
5. Switzerland – 103
6. UK – 101
7. Netherlands – 89
8. Spain – 79
9. Denmark – 48
10. Belgium – 17

The Volvo market share and overall growth data referenced for heavy electric CVs/lorries in Europe includes content supplied by IHS Markit.

Diesel Truck Particulate Filter Cleaning

Posted on by David Priestman

In line with its five-year expansion strategy to meet the anticipated growth in cleaning demand from major truck manufacturers and operators, Ceramex has seen its diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning volume increase by 15% year on year.

The number of DPFs processed has significantly increased from before the pandemic with regular weekly throughput of more than 2,000 units per week. Increased logistics fleet activity both nationally and in Europe and the expansion of its customer base has contributed to the uplift in volume, helped by the company’s ability to process a significantly larger volume of DPFs, following its relocation to a brand-new, 67,000 square-foot facility in Reading in 2021.

As 2023 gets underway, Ceramex, which is the UK’s leading provider of patented DPF cleaning, remanufacturing and inspection services, anticipates an even busier year in response to rising customer demand.

Barney Milles, Managing Director of Ceramex, commented:

“Our performance over the last year clearly demonstrates the demand for cleaning and remanufacturing of commercial DPFs. Having our Reading facility fully operational with scope for increased capacity, positions Ceramex as a UK market leader in scalable DPF cleaning for HGV, PSV and off-highway vehicles. There are over 400,000 diesel-fuelled HGVs operating in the UK, plus thousands of foreign registered trucks, so it’s vital to keep their emissions control systems running as efficiently as possible, in accordance with Euro VI emissions regulations. Overall, our mission is to help keep truck fleets emission-compliant and operating cost-efficiently, which also demonstrates the commitment of Ceramex to helping customers reduce costs whilst driving towards cleaner air.”

Diesel Particulate Filter cake

Ceramex’s patented Xpurge® DPF cleaning process uses a combination of purified water and air to remove accumulated soot and ash deposits from the filter. As the deposits are suspended in water, there is no risk of them entering the atmosphere. The cleaning process removes between 350-450g of soot and ash from each filter, which restores it to at least 95% or more of brand new functionality, thereby avoiding the need for a brand new and costly DPF.

Each DPF is quality checked with Ceramex’s patented Veritex® automated inspection technology, which uses light and infrared transmission to verify a DPF’s internal condition. This technology provides an image of the internal structure of the filter, identifying any blockages, exotherm damage and cracks. Veritex® also provides a visual confirmation that the filter has been cleaned properly and generates a unique record of the DPF’s condition every time it’s cleaned, enabling filters to be monitored throughout their service life.

The resultant soot and ash that’s collected forms a ‘filter cake’ of particulate matter. Ceramex ships approximately 30 tons per year to a waste management partner for further treatment prior to its disposal as non-hazardous waste at a licensed landfill site.

EV Charge Cost Turns Logistics back to Diesel

Posted on by David Priestman

With UK Government encouragement, media pressure and customer demands the automotive industry is continuing its drive toward cleaner logistics through the use of electric vehicles (EV’s). However, this forward planning is now being impacted by the current energy crisis, writes Nigel Lyons, partner at Browne Jacobson LLP.

Is EV investment still a sound logistic business sense ?

As the automotive industry continues to be innovative those businesses that don’t embrace the fast moving technology that is being offered will be left behind, for example, in the last 12 months Sony announced plans to enter the EV market, with Apple working on a self-driving electric car and Mercedes-Benz’s claiming a EV vehicle range of up to 620 miles.

The ongoing challenges for retailers with large carbon footprints

Whilst automotive manufacturers may be able to demonstrate innovative ways of tackling the limitations with the existing EV infrastructure, mass market EV’s still demand the need for a greater charging network. On that note, in the UK the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has launched a Local EV Infrastructure Fund to support the roll-out of larger on-street charging schemes and rapid charging hubs across the UK.

The war in Ukraine has brought a further significant issue with the huge increase in the cost of EV charging. This is adding another dimension to the cost of powering vehicles, with businesses having to ultimately pass on the increased expense onto their customers.

The issues surrounding EV charging points

The OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that helps provide support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of EV charge points. The scheme is run by the OZEV and administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This grant can be used in conjunction with the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets. It helps fund both the installation of charge points and the cost of charge point infrastructure.

The EV future

The RAC motoring organisation has identified that the price of using the fastest ultra-rapid chargers now stands at 74.79p per kilowatt hour, up from 50.97p in May 2022 (47%) and 63.94p in September 2022. Drivers using rapid chargers now pay 20p per mile for their electricity, only a penny less than those using less common ultra-rapid chargers who pay 21p per mile. These costs are higher than the equivalent per-mile rate for a petrol car that achieves an economy of 40 miles to the gallon (17p per mile) and are on a par with a diesel car achieving the same economy (20p per mile).

Recent UK new car registration figures show that the demand for EVs is clearly still there, however, even with the OZEV scheme there is a risk that if energy prices remain high this will put businesses off using EV chargers. The Government is being pressed to review the current VAT policy as businesses pay four times the rate of tax as those charging at home.

If the EV use is to expand through our logistic network then the Government will need to be as innovative as automotive manufacturers if it to maintain the drive to bring down air pollution and decarbonise the UK’s transport infrastructure.

DB Schenker to Deploy MAN eTrucks

Posted on by David Priestman

DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading logistics service providers, has signed an agreement with commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus to become the first customer to adopt the new MAN eTruck. DB Schenker will add 100 new MAN low liner and swap body trucks to its fleet by 2026. The first vehicles are to be handed over in the first half of 2024.

Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transport at DB Schenker Europe, said: “We want to build up practical experience with e-trucks as early as possible. In this way, we can quickly create an offer for the business community to make supply chains more climate-friendly. That’s why it was important for us to receive the first MAN eTrucks. This brings us another step closer to our goal to be net zero on the road in land transport by 2040.”

“DB Schenker and MAN are embarking together on the road to an electric future. We are very pleased to have our first customer for the new eTruck. Demand in the market for this all-electric vehicle is already enormous. The topic is now really taking off, partly because more and more of our customers are setting extremely ambitious decarbonization targets. This has a direct impact on logistics chains. However, we will only succeed in achieving a sustainable mobility turnaround in heavy goods traffic with the appropriate political support. Among other things, this relates to the rapid development of the charging infrastructure and also the further design of the funding framework for the acquisition of electric trucks,” said Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.

eTruck from Munich

The first MAN eTrucks will be produced in a small series in the first half of 2024 on the production line at the company’s headquarters in Munich. With the signing of the agreement, DB Schenker is the first pilot customer for these eTrucks. The logistics service provider wants to gain practical experience with the product as early as possible. This also includes setting up its own charging infrastructure, intelligent route planning, and other digital services from MAN Digital Solutions such as eManager, ServiceCare, and MAN Driver App. DB Schenker is therefore supported by 360° consulting from MAN Transport Solutions, including route analysis, charging strategy, charging infrastructure planning, and energy demand optimization.

The first MAN eTrucks for DB Schenker in 2024 will be volume semitrailer tractors, so-called ultra-semitrailer tractors. The reduced semitrailer height of around 950 mm makes it possible to transport volume trailers with an interior height of 3 meters electrically. The other electric trucks to be delivered in 2025 and 2026 are planned as ultra-semitrailer tractors and swap body trucks.

 

Fleet Connectivity for Commercial Vehicles

Posted on by David Priestman

To advance next generation fleet connectivity for commercial vehicles ZF, today. announced that it has acquired intellic Germany GmbH, a Berlin-based advanced tachograph technology company with 20 employees. The acquisition further consolidates ZF’s unique capability to supply innovative solutions across the entire commercial vehicle transport value chain, reinforcing its innovation leadership in road transportation, orchestration and infrastructure optimization. Building on ZF’s ‘Next Generation Mobility’ strategy, the move represents a significant step towards realizing its ambitions to enable Transportation as a Service (TaaS).

“Incorporating Intellic’s smart tachograph technology within our telematics portfolio further advances ZF’s leading position as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleets and industry partners,” said Hjalmar Van Raemdonck, Head of Digital Systems Solutions in ZF’s division Commercial Vehicle Solutions. “As a uniquely regulated and trusted data center, smart tachographs will have an increasingly important role to play in the road transportation ecosystem.”

“Leveraging the data integrity of smart tachographs will open opportunities in logistics, infrastructure optimization and build on ZF’s recent launch of its SCALAR digital fleet orchestration platform,” added Van Raemdonck. As the “black box” of the vehicle, verified data will include the entry of local times, precise real-time clocking, secure Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and an Intelligent Traffic System interface (ITS).

Enabling a “Connectivity Hub,” it is envisioned that a single, certified box will be able to reliably and accurately collect and relay data from a wide range of vehicle sensors and data sources including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and EBS signals.

With the potential to deliver significant added value to fleet customers, ZF is well positioned to become a full digital service provider by providing a complete system with clear, measurable, verified data. This includes displaying remaining drive time limits to ensure regulatory compliance. Offering all the digital software and hardware solutions that fleets need from a single source, ZF will integrate future-proof capabilities with software updates over-the-air, in the same way as updates for the tachograph such as driving and resting times. Adding value for manufacturers, ZF’s tachograph capabilities offer a simple solution to integrate speed, driving and resting time data to their vehicle dashboards.

The integration of trusted smart tachograph data with ZF’s recently launched SCALAR fleet orchestration platform will enable more efficient routing, dispatching and driver scheduling to help significantly enhance fleet efficiency. From 2023, the smart tachograph will become the central trusted device in the commercial vehicle sector in Europe. By third quarter 2023, manufacturers in Europe will be required to install next generation smart tachographs in new vehicles and, by the end of 2024, they will replace analogue tachographs altogether.

ZF is a global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, enabling the next generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate and enhancing safe mobility.

With some 157,500 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €38.3 billion in fiscal 2021. The company operates 188 production locations in 31 countries.

Tiger supplies 250 semi-trailers to Zenith

Posted on by David Priestman

The relationship between Zenith Trailer Rentals and Tiger Trailers continues to strengthen following the Cheshire manufacturer’s supply of an additional 250 semi-trailers of differing types during 2022 which, when joined by the initial orders placed for 2023, will take the size of the Tiger Trailers fleet that Zenith operates to over 500 vehicles.

Tiger’s supply of trailers to Zenith commenced during 2021, with 100 tandem axle box vans plus 60 tri-axle curtainsiders finished in the livery of the nationwide joinery and furniture end user.

During 2022, Tiger manufactured a significant further volume of trailers for Zenith, comprising an additional 150 unbranded tri-axle single-deck curtainsiders and 100 curtainsided double-deck step-frame trailers with wraparound curtains for operational versatility, some of which carry the branding of a major pet retailer.

The double deck trailers’ bolted decks can be set to any of three positions, prioritising the upper or lower deck, or splitting them 50:50, thus making them ideal for pallet networks, amongst other environments. Their roofs slope downwards at the front for aerodynamic and fuel-saving purposes, and the trailers’ bespoke load-securing specification includes the fitment of kites, with straps incorporated at the rear to enable the tying back of the curtains. The double-deck trailers will predominantly operate out of Zenith’s Carrington depot to the west of Manchester.

The partnership between the two companies is set to continue strongly, with Zenith having placed its first Tiger Trailers orders for 2023. Earlier on in 2022, Tiger Trailers’ production lines passed a milestone and the manufacturer’s 10,000th trailer was built for Zenith.

Close relationship with TigerTrailers

Phil Rodman, Managing Director of Zenith Trailer Rentals, says: “We have developed a close and valued working relationship with Tiger Trailers over the last two years and are very pleased with the quality of the trailers manufactured in time and in full manner. The Tiger Trailers assets were built to our exact requirements and form an important part of our sizeable and versatile rental fleet of over 50,000 heavy commercial vehicles, and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Tiger throughout 2023 and beyond.”

Part of the company’s Commercial division, Zenith Trailer Rentals, the trading name of Contract Vehicle Rentals Limited, has a 22% share of the UK articulated trailer hire market. Headquartered in Leeds and employing over 1,250 people, Zenith’s vision is to decarbonise the UK vehicle parc by eliminating tailpipe emissions. The Group has also joined the EV100 global initiative to tackle the electric transport transition, reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

Darren Holland, Sales Director at Tiger Trailers, comments: “We are proud to be supporting Zenith in manufacturing a diverse range of articulated trailers for their fleet, tailored to the required specifications. Tiger’s efficient production practices and continuous investment enable us to build large quantities of trailers to relatively expedient lead times. It’s a pleasure to work closely with Phil and the wider Zenith team and we look forward to continuing to support them over the coming months and years.”

Tiger Trailers is one of the UK’s leading semi-trailer and rigid bodywork manufacturers and operates from a state-of-the-art factory complex including a customer showroom. The company builds the full range of products including moving double decks, temperature-controlled trailers, flatbeds and demounts. The manufacturer’s CSR and ESG initiatives from solar panels and car chargers to tree planting are complemented by the Tiger Safety Team and the road safety programme it delivers to schools.

 

JJX Logistics adds IVECO rigid to fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

JJX Logistics has added a striking new IVECO S-WAY 6×2 (AS260S46Y/P) rigid to its fleet to boost its operational capabilities in urban areas.

JJX Logistics is a specialist in time-critical logistics throughout the UK and Europe. Transporting a wide range of cargos for over 25 years, JJX Logistics is also licensed to carry all nine classes of hazardous materials and is TAPA certified for high-value assets.

With the need to accommodate a wide variety of cargo types in urban areas JJX has specced up and built the ultimate IVECO S-WAY rigid capable of carrying up to 15 tonnes.

It joins a 510hp IVECO S-WAY tractor unit on the fleet which managing director John Joseph Donovan was so impressed with he has ordered a range-topping 570hp model for long-haul routes from the UK to Italy as part of a new international contract.

The IVECO S-WAY 6x2p is equipped with a rear lift axle which reduces tyre wear on return trips and improves manoeuvrability.

Additionally, rear air suspension has been specified which further improves the ride and handling and adds extra peace of mind when the truck is carrying sensitive cargoes. The Driver Comfort Plus package further optimises driver comfort with door roller blinds, automatic air conditioning and high comfort seats.

JJX specs truck-mounted forklift

To ensure the truck is self-sufficient when loading and unloading at customer sites, a Palfinger forklift has been mounted on the rear of the Fred Smith and Son-built curtain-sided body. This companion vehicle can lift up to two tonnes and is able to load and unload cargo from the back of this IVECO S-WAY. A full Direct Vision system has also been installed to ensure the truck can operate within the busy confines of London.

This IVECO S-WAY rigid is equipped with a 460hp Cursor 11 diesel engine that delivers strong performance and economy with the help of the optional Aero Plus pack that incorporates a roof spoiler and front cab corner fins.

All JJX Logistics trucks can find themselves travelling into Europe at the drop of a hat, so the IVECO S-WAY infotainment system hosting navigation for the whole of Europe, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine is invaluable.

The distinctive blue and white JJX Logistics livery enhances the design of the IVECO S-WAY. Highlights trim the bold grille, and vibrant splashes of colour follow the natural contours of the Italian-designed bodywork. This stylish livery applied by Baker Ward Stickers Ltd took three weeks to come to fruition, a design that was further enhanced by the addition of a Premium Style Pack which includes aluminium air intakes, a pneumatic horn, an external sun visor, and eye-catching coloured finishes inside the cab.

Commenting on the continued addition of new IVECO S-WAYs onto its fleet managing director John Joseph Donovan said: “We eagerly awaited the truck to come down the supply chain, but now it’s here we are over the moon with it!”

JJX’s IVECO S-WAY Rigid is expected to cover 80,000 – 100,000 miles each year and represents a key asset for JJX Logistics.

Gist trials electric HGVs

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics specialist Gist has launched an extensive trial in the UK of DAF’s LF Electric fridge truck, supported by key supplier, dealer Ford & Slater Limited, and DAF Trucks UK.

The vehicle will be based at Gist Hemel for the duration of the trial and is one of two 100% fully electric vehicles Gist is trialling as it continues to seek alternatives to reduce its carbon emissions and explore diesel alternatives. The second, the DAF CF power motive unit, is being trialled on routes from its operation in Thatcham.

DAF, through Ford & Slater, which supplies the majority of Gist’s trucks, has provided the 19-tonne rigid and 4 x 2 HGV unit for trials. Gist will use the vehicles across a number of routes, including transporting frozen products.

Gist moving to diesel alternatives

Kate Brown, Gist’s Director of Communications and Sustainability, said: “Moving to diesel alternatives for ambient HGV vehicles has its challenges, but finding suitable, sustainable alternatives for refrigerated transportation units adds another layer of complexity. That’s why we’re delighted to work with DAF to trial its 100% fully electric refrigerated rigid and unit. Our fleet is largely made up of refrigerated vehicles and as we continue to work on reducing our carbon emissions and creating a greener, cleaner environment we hope these trials will demonstrate that using electricity is a viable alternative.”

Laurence Drake, Managing Director of DAF Trucks, adds: “As a company, we are committed to developing transport solutions for our customers that can help them deliver on their environmental and sustainability objectives. Having launched our range of zero emission CF and LF Electric trucks last year it is fantastic to see operators using them in regular operation. Working alongside likeminded partners, such as Gist, is really helping to drive the transport industry forward.”

In addition, Gist is also trialling the Volta Zero, a fully electric rigid. In partnership with Marks & Spencer and Volta Trucks, Gist is using the vehicle to support Volta’s product development by providing operational data and feedback.

 

Cenntro offers Logistar 200 vehicle with tail lift

Posted on by David Priestman

Cenntro Automotive Europe is introducing a tail lift variant for its Logistar 200 electric utility vehicle on the European market. The vertical lift, which has been specially manufactured for the Logistar 200, offers a payload capacity of 500kg and is therefore particularly suitable for urban delivery and distribution operations.

The high-performance single-deck lift is equipped with a single-section, light aluminium panel and is operated using a hydraulic cylinder, which electrically raises and lowers the platform using chains and guide pulleys. It is possible to easily open and close the 1,600mm aluminium platform manually to save energy in order to achieve the greatest possible efficiency. There is a side door in the middle, which is 900mm wide, and it provides additional loading and unloading opportunities for the box body, which measures 8.77 cu m (L x W x H interior dimensions: 2537 x 1729 x 2000mm).

The box body entirely consists of 100% recyclable, thermoplastic composite materials and is ultra-light, so ensuring that it is possible to make full use of the Logistar 200’s maximum payload capacity and range. The walls of the box body, which have been specially developed for Cenntro, are made from a 20mm thick, highly resistant composite material, while the front wall and roof are 25mm thick. The lightweight base is self-supporting, is made of a 30mm thick recyclable composite material and has an anti-slip coating.

Compact Cenntro Logistar

The operating unit is waterproof and attached to the outside of the vehicle frame; a remote control system with a spiral cable is affixed to the interior of the body by means of magnets. The box body is also equipped with powerful LED interior lighting, anti-roll stops and platform lighting as well as a third brake light.

The Logistar 200 is 4.77m long and 1.64m wide in its chassis version and therefore has more compact dimensions than traditional delivery vans and transport vehicles – and this provides manoeuvrability benefits in inner-city areas. The electric utility vehicle has a range of between 188 and 264km when carrying a full payload of 1,045kg (WLTP combined/city range).

Thanks to the new design with the vertical lift, it is now possible to transport trolleys or Euro pallets containing general cargo without any problems on last mile deliveries. At the same time, the tail lift makes it easier to transfer goods to cargo bikes such as the Antric One. Six trolleys, which can be accommodated on three Antric One bikes, fit into the new “Logistar 200 box body with lift” and this further optimises the sustainable delivery of goods during the last mile. The Logistar 200 in the new lift version and the electric cargo bike from Antric complement each other perfectly for use at urban distribution centres.

Both the Logistar 200 and the Metro N1-13 models can still be delivered in 2022, for as long as stocks last.

Asset Alliance Group supplies Furniture Village with trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK’s largest independent furniture retailer, Furniture Village, has extended its six-year relationship with Asset Alliance Group by refreshing part of its home delivery fleet with 15 MAN and eight DAF trucks.

The 7.5 tonne DAF LF 180 and MAN TGL 7.190 vehicles, supplied on a five-year full-service contract hire agreement, will each make around 10 deliveries per day from 15 distribution hubs nationwide.

The new trucks are part of a 76-strong home delivery fleet run by the company, which opened its first store in Abingdon in 1989 and will open its 55th store in Colchester later this year.

Group Logistics Controller at Furniture Village, Carl Hood, says: “Our shiny new blue vehicles really grab attention. They are great for business and growing the reputation of the company.

“If you have nice trucks with smartly dressed drivers, people better understand that you’ll handle their furniture in a professional manner.”

After five years of running delivery trucks with manual transmission, Furniture Village specified automatic gearboxes on the new vehicles to satisfy drivers’ preferences.

Each is fitted with a tuck-away tail-lift to help teams manage heavier items of furniture, as well as a Spillard camera system to assist drivers with inner-city deliveries.

The Slough-based furniture retailer already runs a core fleet of trucks supplied by Asset Alliance Group, after taking its first vehicles from the business in 2016.

Hood says: “We are repeat customers for good reason. What’s great about Asset Alliance Group is the team’s excellent communication and ability to help us source whatever we need to maintain our high-quality home delivery fleet.

“They offer competitive rates and an unmatched level of customer service, so we’re only too happy to continue our strong relationship with the company.”

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