Supplied by Lewis Davies, Truck Sales Executive at MC Truck and Bus, the truck arrives as an addition to the Port’s now 20-strong commercial vehicle fleet, with its arrival marking its first foray into heavy duty electric transportation.
Shoreham Port’s Chief Executive Officer, Tom Willis, says: “As a growing port we recognise the responsibility that comes with our activities and the need to adapt how we move cargoes on site and beyond. Introducing this FH Aero Electric into our fleet enables us to begin transitioning towards lower emission transport in a way that is practical, measurable and aligned with our long-term environmental goals.
“Our decision to partner with Volvo reflects the confidence we have in its proven engineering, its understanding of the demands of commercial vehicle operators and its clear direction in sustainable transport. The FH Aero Electric offers the performance, range and reliability that we require, along with the reassurance of established support through MC Truck and Bus.”
Advanced electric technology supports practical low emission transport
Shoreham Port’s new truck is equipped with the maximum six batteries, offering an approximate driving range of up to 300 km and a recharging time of just 2.5 hours while using a 250 kW DC charger. It also features three electric motors, generating up to 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque.
Just as with customers ordering diesel Volvo FH Aero trucks, the electric model uses the standard I-Shift gearbox to deliver a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
Refined design reduces drag and boosts visibility
The FH Aero delivers substantial energy consumption improvements through a refined design and the deployment of new technologies. The cab’s improved aerodynamics are equally beneficial for the electric model, with the design enabling better free-rolling properties, allowing for increased energy regeneration to recharge the battery under braking or while driving downhill, ready for use when needed in the next acceleration or uphill climb.
The presence of Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) also contributes to aerodynamic performance but primarily boosts safety and visibility. Replacing traditional exterior mirrors, the solution increases the driver’s field of view and, when driving with a trailer, CMS deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. CMS also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, direct sunlight and even when driving in tunnels.
Manoeuvrability was another important decision in the specification of the new arrival – to improve access at the Port, the new tractor unit has been built with a rear-steer tag axle chassis.
Shoreham Port is guaranteed maximum uptime thanks to a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract covering all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
Established in 1760, today Shoreham Port encompasses a 110-acre site, comprising of more than 175 businesses ranging from small- and medium-sized enterprises to major multinationals. The Port handles around two million tonnes of commercial cargo annually, including timber, steel, oil, grain and aggregates.