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Electric dreams
Page 14
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Electric vehicles may not be breaking into most operators fleets just yet, but TNT is Leading the way by using 50... with even more planned...
By JUltan wines
AS MORE and more companies tentatively explore the possibilities of running electric vehicles in the search for increased fuel efficiency and/or improved public image, one firm has taken the plunge.
TNT already boasts 50 electric 7.5-tormers on its books from Smith Electric Vehicles, with potentially another 50 on the way.
At the forefront of this is Steve Davis, TNT's national engineering manager. So why electric?
At that time we were looking at the alternatives to diesel and whether they'd fit in with our operation. We were approached by Smiths, who had a purposebuilt vehicle.
"But a 'donor' vehicle made a lot more sense, something that had already proven itself as a commercial vehicle in diesel form.
"We weren't too enthused with their product at the time, which was built in-house, and suggested we'd like to take on an established vehicle that was converted to electric power. This was due in part to driver familiarity issues."
TNT's fleet is comprised of 47 Smith Electric Newtons, which are based on the Avia D75, and three E,disons, which are based on Ford's Transit. Capital approval for the other 50 is currently up for consideration.
For anyone looking to take on electric vehicles for their fleet, a degree of planning and research is advised, Davis explains.
"You need to fully understand what role your current vehicles are doing," he says, "and compare with what electric is capable of... and not just in payload terms. "For instance, we've already had issues over charging the vehicles. Running several means that you need multiple points and space to park the vehicles indoors while they charge."'
The right back-up
So has the take-up of electric been a seamless affair at TNT?
Davis replies: "It's been a learning curve for everyone the company, the drivers and the service staff and there have been issues to deal with, although consistent problems."
When operating such type-specific vehicles, it is important you have the infrastructure for them to keep them on the road; that means having all the necessary
no
Since TNT does all of its repairs and maintenancein-house, it based all the electric vehicles at or near a maintenance site, so essential support was never far away.
Now that the fleet is firmly part of the daily routine, what reactions have TNT's drivers shown?
"Overall there's been good feedback from drivers," reveals Davis. "Many of them are saying they feel less fatigued at the end of the day due to the near-silent running of the vehicles and the lack of gear changes. This allows for more awareness when driving in city centres."
Davis also points out that all drivers have been given the correct training, including how hest to efficiently operate the vehicle and to maintain battery life when out on the road.
-We have an assessor posted at each location," reveals Davis., "so any new drivers can complete an induction course straight away."
So, turning towards costs it's one thing to take on what are expensive (from £70,000 for a Newton 7.5-tonner) vehicles to reduce carbon output, and another to make them work from a financial point of view.
TNT's figures took into consideration the lack of road tax, service costs (the Newtons have very few moving parts) and the cost of fuel.
The company predicts it will be cost-neutral in five years.
However, Davis admits they are no more cost-effective than comparable diesel trucks, although the higher capital costs are partly balanced out by the lower running costs.
Cost-effective?
Residual values are also a major issue with electric vehicles. The current position is vague, simply because there are a number of conflicting opinions over the longterm ability of the vehicles.
However, since electric vehicles rely a great deal on battery technology, should it fail, it would spell major trouble, "We're assuming that residual values for the fleet will be the same as diesel equivalents," explains Davis, "but if the secondhand market dips, the batteries are worth two thirds of the cost we currently expect to return the batteries are the buffer." •
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