ELECTRIFYING MOVE at Collins Earthworks

Collins Earthworks, based in the East Midlands, have taken a giant step forward in its electrification programme, taking delivery of the first of four fully electric Volvo 6x2 FMX Globetrotter tractor units from Volvo dealers Hartshorne Group, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle distributors.

The four 44 tonne Volvo FMX electric trucks will be deployed in the Collins Earthworks transport division which operates in several different areas including heavy haulage, muck away, aggregates and road sweeper hire.

Jack Cave, Director at Collins Earthworks, says the company is passionate about reducing its carbon output. “With this in mind, we are proud to have taken the first step in our electromobility journey with these four new Volvo electric FMX tractor units which will join our existing hybrid Volvo excavators, working together to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Comments Collins Earthworks Low Loader Manager Matthew Smith: “While there are plenty of pluses in going electric, being one of the first to take such a leap in new technology will always attract attention and divide opinion which include the doubters and the ones who still think the old school is the best way. Obviously, compromises are needed, such as greater planning, investment not only in the vehicles but in our own infrastructure for charging.”

Richard Williams, Collins Earthworks Transport Workshop Manager, says they are in the process of installing rapid chargers in the quarry where the trucks will be operating out of and adds that it should take around two hours for a full charge. The AC charging time is around nine hours. With a payload of 25.5 tonnes and producing zero tailpipe emissions, the electric FMX’s range is around 300km on one charge.

“I can’t believe how good it drives; I would never have thought I’d be driving an electric truck in my working life...

“The introduction of these electric Volvo trucks underlines our commitment to embrace new technology going forward. As a company, we are striving for sustainability across our fleet. Not only are the Volvo FMX electric trucks more environmentally friendly, they are also quieter in operation which means we are minimising our impact on the surrounding area as we draw materials from the quarry.

“It is a big step for us, but the team at Volvo dealers Hartshorne Group, their Area Sales Manager, Jack Castle in particular, have gone the extra mile in helping us with this transition towards electrification and hopefully these four new electric trucks will be the first of many more in the future.”

It is a move that has been welcomed by drivers at Collins Earthworks. They’ve all been impressed with the electric Volvo’s. Some say the trucks are “phenomenal to drive, so smooth and quiet and offering unbelievable comfort.” Others add, “I can’t believe how good it drives; I would never have thought I’d be driving an electric truck in my working life.”

The Volvo FMX features a spacious air suspension mounted cab where drivers can feel at home, with a heated and vented air suspended leather driver’s seat, LED and adaptive lighting, fridge, load indicator, blind spot detection, and a high-end infotainment centre including Sat Nav.

Everything is located where you expect it to be. You’ll find the perfect steering wheel position with the neck tilt function and your hand naturally lands on the new I-Shift gear lever, neatly integrated into the seat. The visibility around the truck is hard to beat. The door line is low, the window surfaces are generous and every angle of the interior is designed to place you in control.

On top of it all, the entire driver interface is designed to help you keep your hands on the wheel and your attention forward, putting you in full control of everything you need to do your job precisely and efficiently.

The instrument cluster is fully digital and offers new possibilities to tailor the work environment to your needs in any situation. A new nine-inch side display gives you control of truck functions, like up to eight cameras and intuitive managing of your traction.

“Collins Earthworks are leading the way towards a cleaner and greener planet…

Three electric motors combined with an I-Shift gearbox adapted for electromobility provide a smooth and powerful driving experience. The massive power of up to 490 kW/666 hp is handled by a unique traction control system also developed to master slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels, while Volvo Dynamic Steering filters out most of the kicks and jolts in the steering wheel when driving on uneven surfaces.

Comments James Cowen, Managing Director at the Hartshorne Group: “We are delighted to be working alongside the team at Collins Earthworks, who are leading the way towards a cleaner and greener planet with their four new Volvo electric FMX tractor units. Collectively, we all have a responsibility towards securing a sustainable future for the next generation and we thank Collins Earthworks for taking charge of the change.”