Fox takes electric tippers
21 June 2022
Family-owned Fox Group, whose businesses include Cotswold Roller Hire, has added two new Volvo FE Electric tippers into its fleet, which it believes are the first of their kind to be delivered anywhere in the UK.
The pair will operate from the company’s depot in Leyland, where charging infrastructure has been installed to support both the trucks and staff cars, demonstrating the firm’s road-to-zero commitment.
Volvo Trucks and supplying dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials worked closely with Fox Group to determine the optimal specification for the vehicles, using the manufacturer’s Electric Range Simulator. This considers multiple factors about a customer’s operation, including payload, routes, driving hours and charging facilities.
Paul Fox, MD of the Blackpool-based business, says: “This purchase marks the start of the electrification of our fleet. We understand we are the first company in the UK to invest in electric tippers – and one of the first in Europe.”
He adds: “This milestone is just the beginning of the journey, and we believe if the country is serious about substantially reducing carbon emissions, the construction sector needs to join the party – and we are proud to be playing our part and leading from the front.
Both Volvo FE Electric 6x2 rigid trucks are plated at 27-tonnes, one tonne more than a standard three-axle rigid, which helps to offset the additional weight of the batteries. Mounted with Thompsons tipper bodywork, they will operate primarily on local contracts for customers such as Lancashire County Council, being used to move materials to and from construction sites, before returning to base each night to be recharged.
The vehicles have full air suspension and a hydraulically-steered rear axle for exceptional manoeuvrability in urban areas or when accessing building sites with restricted access. They offer a range of approximately 93 miles on a full charge from their four battery packs.
The trucks are supported by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which includes preventative maintenance and repairs, and the monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components.
Fox Group currently operates from 20 locations nationally, specialising in the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, muck-shift, earthworks and civil engineering projects. It acquired Cotswold Roller Hire in April.
