Electrics Cut Milk Delivery Costs by 10%
Page 56
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
OPERATING on milk delivery rounds in Vancouver, Canada, Smith's N.C.B. electric vehicles are reported to be more economical than
their petrol engined counterparts. Figures received from Smith's Delivery Vehicles, Ltd., Gateshead, show a saving of approximately 10 per cent, in favour of the electrics.
Average figures taken from the running costs of three electric and 33 petrol vehicles, delivering almost equal quantities of milk, butter and cheese units. show a cost per unit of 1.1 cents for the electrics as against 1.21 cents for the petrol-engined vehicles. These figures do not take into account depreciation, which. in view of the longer life of electric vehicles, would increase the saving derived from their use.
Fuel costs per unit also show a saving in favour of the electrics-0.26 cents. compared with 0.29 cents. In Great Britain this difference would be more marked, as the ratio between battery and electricity costs and petrol costs is higher in Canada than here, Jersey Farms, Ltd., Vancouver, who operate these vehicles, report that their drivers like the electrics for their easily accessible "stand or sit" cab. As labour costs in Canada are high, this Lime saving further reduces operating costs.
In the United States there are signs that electric vehicles will return to favour following their successful operation in Canada. Those electrics at present in use in the U.S.A. are at least 20 years old, as Walkers, the last big concern to make electrics, ceased production in the early 1930s. GouldNational Batteries, Inc., have recently purchased a truck from Smith's, possibly with a view to reviving interest in electric vehicles for delivery work.