Halfords tyre-fitting van fleet to cut CO2 with innovative technology

Halfords is taking on 20 vans fitted with innovative electrically-powered tyre-fitting equipment which could cut overall fuel consumption by more than 30% when compared to a diesel counterpart.

A traditional tyre-fitting van uses its ICE engine to power its equipment, with engine idling using up to two litres of fuel per hour, as well as producing CO2 and noxious gases.

However, these are eliminated in the vans fitted with the electric system, developed by Bri-Stor Systems, as it uses a high-density lithium battery that is recharged as the vehicle travels from job to job.

Tests have found the sustainable van delivers more than a 30% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to a diesel van driving the same distance in similar working environments, with ensuing reductions in CO2 and noxious gas emissions.

Bri-Stor Systems, which was named Converter of the Year in this year's Fleet News Awards, said maintenance costs on the sustainable van will also be reduced through limiting the impact of engine idling on service intervals and major component wear.

Karl Baker, director of operations at Halfords Mobile Expert, said: “Delivering a greener, more sustainable fleet is an opportunity for us all and it can only be delivered if we share our ideas, ambitions and challenges.

“Any fleet in the UK that relies heavily on engine-driven systems should be looking at our trial as a significant moment for the mobile tyre industry.

“This is a watershed moment for Halfords and I am proud that we are contributing to the development of technologies that have the capability to make the world a better place.”

The new vehicles form part of Bri-Stor Systems’ Power360 strategy, designed to bring sustainable technologies to the fleet market in a way that delivers immediate operational improvements and cost savings.

The vehicles, equipped with Portable Power Technology’s Pro Energy Pack solution, have been launched after an extensive two-year trial.

The lithium system is also designed to be redeployed into a secondary life and the introduction of real-time 4G remote monitoring software enables live access to check battery health, usage patterns, energy generation and consumption and diagnose any faults, without the need to send out an engineer.

Bri-Stor Systems has also made improvements in the design and location of the compressed air systems, eliminating condensation issues and increasing the tank capacity over its current fleet.

Fitted with the Corghi tyre machine and balancer, supplied by Rema Tip Top and designed to accommodate a 24-inch wheel size, these systems can also be redeployed into a secondary life.

Andew Goodwin, sales and marketing director at Bri-Stor Systems, added: “Commercial fleet operators are already facing unprecedented challenges in moving towards electric vehicles and are now having to consider how ancillary equipment will be powered in a world without combustion engines and generators.

“What the Halfords initiative proves is that we have the capability and partnerships in place to deliver robust, sustainable solutions for the most demanding commercial operations.

“Not only does this technology provide the necessary stepping stone to combat emissions and move us forward, it also supports the transition to EVs.”