- Wright Readymix has acquired a new Volvo FMX Electric 8x4 concrete mixer
- The rigid joins a sustainability-focused business, which already uses recycled aggregates as part of its Breco (Bristol Eco) programme
- A lightweight McPhee E-Mixer Drum and tailored energy simulations help optimise range and performance, ensuring the vehicle can handle demanding concrete transport without compromise
The zero-tailpipe emissions rigid joins a sustainability-focused business driven by its Breco (Bristol Eco) initiative, which centres on a circular economy model already evident in its use of recycled aggregates. The company is now extending Breco into ready-mix concrete and its transport operations, with the new rigid vehicle delivering low-carbon concrete from its Avonmouth plant, supported by both recycled materials and electric-powered distribution.
LGW Group Managing Director, Len Wright, says: “As a well-established local company, we’re totally committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve already had great success with Breco, through which we’re producing blocks using 100% circular economy aggregates, so we felt the time was right to apply the same principle to concrete and extend it into our transport operations.
“When we looked at the options available in the market, the Volvo FMX Electric stood out. The FMX platform has a long reputation for durability and control, and the electric version keeps those qualities while reducing emissions – helping us deliver a genuinely low-carbon product from production through to delivery.”
Robust electric power tailored for construction work
Supplied by Bruce Candy, Area Sales Manager, Truck and Bus Wales and West, the FMX Electric has been specified with four batteries to deliver 360 kWh of battery capacity, while it can be recharged in just 1.5 hours using a 150kW DC charger.
Power is handled by an electromobility traction control system which delivers precise vehicle control even on slippery surfaces, all driven through Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift gearbox – a long-standing favourite with drivers.
The vehicle is configured with a 10-tonne front axle and a 27-tonne tri-axle bogie, as well as full air suspension, resulting in a comfortable ride on the road at a maximum gross mass of 32 tonnes.
Overcoming the challenges of electric concrete transport
Electrification of concrete transportation is challenging due to heavy loads and continuous mixing demands. To combat this, Wright Readymix’s FMX Electric is mounted with a specially designed McPhee E-Mixer Drum, which combines a lighter drum and multiple electronic sensors which ensure energy is drawn only when required to optimise driving range and efficiency.
As part of the specification process, Volvo Trucks also completed a series of range and energy simulations with the Wright Readymix team, factoring in the typical daily mileages and ancillary equipment usage for trucks operating in its sector, ensuring the vehicle is fully suited to its expected workload.
“We didn’t want to compromise on capability just to tick a sustainability box,” adds Wright. “Volvo’s approach gave us confidence that this truck could handle the realities of our work without cutting corners.
“The feedback from our driver has been very positive. It’s a comfortable, quiet truck to operate that has fitted seamlessly into our operation, which gives us real confidence as we continue to explore low-emission transport.”
On the road six days a week, Wright Readymix’s FMX Electric is backed by a four-year Volvo Gold Contract, which covers all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
Part of the LGW Group, Wright Readymix supplies high-quality ready-mixed concrete, liquid screed and concrete blocks across South West England and South Wales.