Acklea has introduced a zero-emission electric-powered model to extend its range of recyclable plastic-bodied 7.2t commercial vehicles.
Created for highway service provider Ringway, part of Eurovia, for use in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the new battery electric truck will be used by reactive maintenance crews on the capital’s inner roads.
The vehicle will operate from Ringway’s three London depots, all of which have electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.
Clive Brocklehurst, product manager at Acklea, said: “This new electric vehicle takes our range of lightweight plastic-bodied trucks to a new level, which will help our customers further future-proof their investment as they move forwards in their net zero programmes.
“We are seeing high demand for our plastic units from road maintenance organisations because they’re sustainable and reduce costs and downtime. They can also be further equipped and tailored to match each customer’s individual requirements, which makes them easily adaptable and flexible for a range of uses.
“The zero-emission electric vehicle was the logical next step for sustainable motoring, and especially relevant for businesses working in cities with Clean Air Zones like the ULEZ. We’re combining the latest EV battery technology with a copolymer plastic body that’s lightweight, recyclable and tough enough for any road maintenance task.”
The electric truck’s modular design can help reduce whole life costs by up to 30%, Acklea said.
The copolymer plastic used in the design is recyclable, which means the bodies can be reused with a new chassis and cab to increase the lifespan of the reusable parts into a second or potentially third life, as the vehicles are upgraded with new, more sustainable chassis and battery technology.
Acklea built the vehicle with Ringway and Astra Vehicle Technologies, accommodating lithium-ion batteries and EV technology within the existing chassis.
The new truck is based on the Iveco Daily 7t chassis, with van-like driving controls and a Hi-Matic transmission.
Chris Forrest, fleet and plant operations manager at Eurovia, added: “We were keen to work with Acklea to explore how a zero-emission electric vehicle could be created that would meet the rigorous challenges of working on busy London roads.
“Acklea’s plastic EV traffic management vehicle does everything we need, efficiently and cost-effectively, and for the first time with a battery at its heart instead of a traditional diesel engine.
“It has a range more than 200 kilometres on a full charge and has the full range of safety equipment to support our work crews. We’re really excited to have the opportunity to use it.”
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