Evri trials electric HGVs for first and middle-mile deliveries

Evri is trialling two electric HGVs this month as it moves to reduce emissions in the first and middle mile of a parcel’s journey.

These vehicles join the existing fleet which includes 190 bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) tractor units, 44 vehicles running on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), 168 electric vans and over 20 e-cargo bikes.

In a trial, due to conclude by the end of September 2023, Evri is testing a Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor unit and a 16t rigid, both of which produce zero tailpipe emissions and will be charged at Evri’s hub in Rugby. The Volvo FM Electric has a load capacity of 23 tonnes, a battery capacity of 450-540 kWh which should deliver a 300km range. The vehicle has 3 electrical motors and performs up to 2400 Nm and 650 hp.

This follows Evri’s recent announcement that it reduced its operational carbon emissions by 31% since last year and reduced its carbon per parcel by 10% in 2022-23 from a 2020/21 baseline. Yorkshire-based Evri expects to deliver more than 500,000 parcels with e-cargo bikes this year and hopes to have an alternative-fuel solution in first, middle and final mile.

David Landy, Head of Fleet at Evri, said: “We’re delighted to have the vehicles to try out and learn from them. We’re keen for our site teams to get used to the new technology as we continue to grow a more sustainable fleet. These journeys require an extensive range to maintain efficiency of the parcel journey, so it’s the toughest areas to decarbonise.”