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As the benefits of an electric vehicle becomes more apparent,
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an increased number of companies are adding them to their fleets. To prove this point, CM does the rounds with Hildon Water and its Modec.
Words / Images: Julian Manes While green issues are becoming ever more important in thc road transport industry, thc bottom line for operators, if they're motivated enough to take up the challenge, comes down to whether running the vehicles will actually be profitable or not.
Having a CV that's powered by feathers and emits strawberry-flavoured clouds is all well and good, but if its running costs are significantly high, and drivers approach it like a trip to the gallows, there's just no point.
But the times, as Dylan sang, they are a-changing... Several manufacturers are building electric vehicles that are as practical as shoes, and allow a significant payload, without having to absorb any adverse costs.
So, to get the view from the shop floor, CM joined up with Hildon Water, which has taken on a Modec box van as part of its 15-strong fleet, on its daily delivery round to shadow one of its drivers. We wanted to see how man and machine coped in one of the most inhospitable areas known to man — central London.
Our rendezvous was Berkeley Square on the edge of Mayfair, where we met our escort for the day, Mark Walsh. He's been driving for Hildon for six years, and the Modec for the past six months.
Fully liveried-up and proudly boasting its green credentials, the Modec doesn't look out of place among the throng of traditional urban delivery vehicles that are constantly buzzing around: its well-proportioned exterior, complete with strikingly tall windscreen, also adds a unique edge that attracts plenty of attention.
After a brief chat with Walsh. who explained the day ahead, we hopped aboard and settled in.
What we liked was the side access doors. They allow you to walk in, as opposed to climb in, and there's plenty of room to manoeuvre once you're in the cabin. There's also plenty of visibility through the curved windscreen.
Based in Hampshire. Hildon has been running its Modec since last October, although it's temporarily based at a customer's offices in Staines — the distance (the vehicle's range is 100 miles) being too far for a round trip. There are plans for a facility in Hammersmith, where it will be joined by a second Modec in May.
Easy to drive
The idea is to have a weekly bulk delivery of stock dropped there by a larger distribution vehicle, then daily orders can be picked for both N1odecs.
The rationale for Hildon going electric was mainly prompted by environmental issues, according to Simon Prosser. Hi'don's distribution manager.
He says: "Our environmental manager was looking at the larger issues for the company, and I was given the task of investigating the possibility of running an electric vehicle, since all our vehicles were diesels.
"We looked at a couple of options, but the Modec stood out due to its 2,000kg payload. So far, we've been really pleased with it.
He adds that the knock-on effect of running an electric vehicle is the positive feedback you get from customers and the public overall —and this can also be a good selling point for future accounts, Its role has taken over from a traditional 7.5-tormer previously run, with the second addition set to further strip duties away from another distribution truck.
Out on the road, we head for our first stop — the rather posh Brown's Hotel in Albemarle Street. Chatting to Walsh on the way. he seems very positive about driving the Modec around town.
"The main thing about the Modec is how easy it is to drive. Since there are no gears, it's just a matter of foot down and away. It also has a tight turning circle, which is just the thing when you're working in such tight spaces."
And we very quickly see his point. Approaching our destination, we're flanked by distribution trucks parked left and right, forcing us to lap the block until a space opens up outside. Once we find a slot, Walsh gets going on the delivery and I do a spot of charitable work, folding truck mirrors forward and back on the constant stream of HCVs that are squeezing down the street.
Once done, we head off to the next stop, a nondescript asset-stripping company (possibly another form of environmental impact).
So is there anything else about the Modec that our delivery guy has noticed since he made the switch from driving Mercedes 7.5-tormers?
He points to the Modec's acceleration, which is noticeably brisk from a standstill — something the previous automatic lacked because it tended to dwell on changes at lower speeds.
So, are there any negatives? "There are two things I'd like to address. First, the suspension is a little on the firm side and tends to crash into potholes." We agree.
"And second, the whine emitted from the powersteering pump is ever present." Ditto.
A positive saving
In its defence, this particular model is the first generation. The one available on the market has now undergone a number of improvements.
We're now nearing the end of the delivery schedule and I'm beginning to warm to this Modee.
Although your needs have to be right in respect of payload and distance travelled, it competes on a level playing field with its diesel rivals. It shows no obvious weaknesses in terms of driving ability, and that means drivers will also work productively. As Walsh says: "A bad vehicle can make the day go long."
And while the positive environmental impact on London's streets is easy to see thanks to it's 'zero' exhaust emissions. what's also been of significance for the company is the monetary savings involved.
Prosser reckons each vehicle saves Hildon a whopping £18,000 a year once he's factored in the congestion charge and the hours saved in the reduced distance travelled. Not a bad deal for a new-fangled machine. IN