Warehousing and distribution company Debach has introduced a new Volvo FE Electric into its operations. This electric truck replaces a similar diesel unit, thereby reducing carbon emissions within its 40-vehicle fleet. The 4×2 rigid truck will be used for pallet deliveries in and around Ipswich. It was ordered after a thorough analysis of the service routes by Debach’s local dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus South & East.
Bee Kemball, Managing Director at Debach, says: “The vast majority of our truck fleet is supplied by Volvo, and we were never going to look elsewhere when the decision was made to go electric.
“I had been invited to a recent demonstration day where I personally got behind the wheel of the full Volvo electric range and was really impressed with the technology. We were looking to replace one of our diesel rigids, and this FE Electric fitted the bill perfectly – offering us an ideal environmentally-friendly solution for this type of urban work.”
Supplied by Matt Kubot, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus South & East, the FE Electric has a 6,100 mm wheelbase and is equipped with three batteries. It offers an approximate driving range of up to 230 km, sufficient for its daily operations. The truck features two electric motors and a two-speed transmission, ensuring a smooth driving experience. As part of the Palletforce network, Debach will use this zero tailpipe emission truck for up to 20 pallet deliveries per day.
“We have had a fast charger installed at our depot, and the trucks we use on these runs tend to return to base at lunchtime anyway so if we ever needed to top up the battery we can do,” adds Kemball. “It really is an ideal choice for this type of work.”
Equipped with curtainsider bodywork and a Dhollandia tail lift, the FE Electric features the company’s black and white colours with green detailing to highlight its environmentally-friendly aspects. It includes a 5-year subscription to Volvo’s My Truck App, allowing users to monitor the vehicle status, battery range, and additional data from their smartphone or tablet.
The new truck is specified with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and Michelin X Multi Energy tyres, and an additional lower passenger door window enhances visibility. Safety features include Forward Collision Warning with emergency braking, Side Collision Avoidance Support, Driver Alert Support, and Lane Keeping Support active safety systems.
The in-cab environment includes a comfort-spec heated seat with adjustable lumbar support and an extendable seat cushion, DAB radio, climate control, and a heated windscreen. The FE Electric is supported by a comprehensive Volvo Gold Contract, covering all maintenance and repairs, including proactive monitoring of batteries and associated components.
Located 10 minutes from the Port of Felixstowe, Debach provides warehousing and distribution services throughout the UK.