GLS Netherlands takes delivery of a Volvo FM Electric 4x2T. This is the first all-electric truck within the logistics provider's fleet.
The new electric Volvo will be deployed by GLS Netherlands from its depot in Vianen. The vehicle mainly operates in the provinces of Utrecht and North Brabant. With the arrival of the electric truck, GLS Netherlands wants to gain experience with the deployment of electric trucks on Dutch roads. The step should thus contribute to the further transition to zero-emission logistics.
Reducing emissions
GLS has committed internationally through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to a 90% emission reduction by 2045 in scope 1, 2 and 3. One of its goals is to electrify its vehicle fleet. In doing so, it sets itself the goal of having a fleet made up of 50% zero-emission or low-emission vehicles by 2030. By the end of 2035, this percentage should increase to 100% of all new vehicles. The transition to electric trucks should contribute to this.
GLS has long been committed to reducing emissions from its fleet. The company has some 6,600 emission-free or low-emission vehicles. To this end, it replaces old delivery vans with new electric ones. These electric vans are also used in the Netherlands, especially in cities.
"The deployment of a first electric truck is an important milestone in making GLS Netherlands more sustainable and achieving our ambitious emission reduction targets," said Luuk Speksnijder, Managing Director at GLS Netherlands. "Together with our customers and partners, we will continue to build a future-proof logistics network in the coming years."
Heavy-duty truck with low emissions
Volvo FM Electric 4x2T was delivered by Van Dijk Trucks, which also takes care of maintenance. The Volvo FM Electric is marketed by Volvo as a flexible and manoeuvrable heavy-duty truck with low emissions and low noise levels. As such, it focuses particularly on use in and around urban environments. Among other things, the truck is welcome in emission-free zones.
The truck is available with two or three electric motors, with a maximum continuous power of 490 kW. These are coupled to an I-Shift gearbox, which is a non-synchronised parallel-shaft gearbox. The gearbox is equipped with an electronic control unit, which takes control of the pneumatic system that operates the clutch and shifting.
Battery capacity of up to 540 kWh
Depending on the configuration, the Volvo FM Electric is equipped with two to six battery packs, with a capacity of 180 to 540 kWh. This allows the truck to be tailored to specific requirements for range and payload. The range is up to 300 kilometres, while the combination weight can be up to 50 tonnes. Recharging time is 9.5 hours with alternating current (43 kW) and 2.5 hours with direct current (250 kW).
