Warburtons grows electric truck fleet after successful deployment

Warburtons has taken delivery of a further four Renault Trucks E-Tech D16s after gaining confidence from running its first 16 tonne electric truck.

The zero-emission vehicle joined the baker’s London fleet in 2021, and now almost three year’s later it says it has gained the confidence to expand its electric operations.

In addition to the E-Tech D16s, Warburtons has also purchased its first electric vans, two Renault Trucks E-Tech Master vans with Luton bodies.

Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer JDS Trucks & Vans, the four E-Tech D16s join Warburtons secondary fleet and will deliver fresh bakery products direct to stores across the country.

The vehicles will operate from four of Warburtons bakeries in Enfield, Glasgow (Bellshill), Bristol and Bolton. The E-Tech Masters will be located at Enfield and Bristol.

Steven Gray, head of transport at Warburtons, said: “The performance of our first 16 tonne electric truck has given us the confidence to make this significant investment in four further E-Tech D16s.”

He explained: “By carefully planning the first vehicle, studying routes, diminishing loads and tail-lift systems, we specified the right vehicle for the job, which has delivered the same quality of service to our customers with zero emissions.

“We have also had excellent feedback from our drivers who enjoy the quieter, smoother ride, and with any initial range anxiety soon put to rest.”

All four of Warburtons’ latest electric trucks are E-Tech D16 4x2 rigids with box bodies by Fosters Commercials and Dhollandia tail lifts. 

Powered by 265 kWh, 600 V E-Tech lithium-ion batteries, the Alternating Current synchronous motor with permanent-magnet technology delivers maximum power of 185 kW, continuous power of 130 kW and maximum torque of 425 Nm.

The E-Tech reduction gearbox offers two forward speeds and one reverse.

The E-Tech D16s are equipped with charge ports compatible with type 2 and CCS Combo 2, which allows mode 2, 3 or 4 charging from 22 kW to 150 kW.

Gray continued: “Our secondary fleet, which delivers products direct to stores, is ideal for electric vehicles, as most routes are low stem mileage of less than 100 miles, making around 30-35 deliveries.

“All vehicles are on the road by 4am, returning by lunchtime with long dwell times back at base that are perfect for charging, using 22 kW EV charging points installed by EO.”

Aftersales support for the E-Techs will be provided by the local Renault Trucks dealer, Renault Trucks Scotland, Renault Trucks South West, JDS Blackburn and Norfolk Truck & Van Enfield, which was the servicing dealer for Warburtons’ first electric vehicle.

A strong relationship with the local Renault Trucks dealer has been crucial to the successful roll-out of Warburtons’ electric vehicles, says Gray.

“JDS is our main point of contract, and since we started working with them four years ago, the relationship has been excellent,” he said. 

“The team at Norfolk Truck & Van has also done a cracking job, and this is one of the reasons that we are placing a second electric truck as well as one of the new E-Tech Masters at Enfield.”