Volvo Trucks and Chivas Brothers have teamed up to launch an innovative two-year pilot program that will showcase Scotland’s first electric semi-truck transporting the nation’s most prized export – Scotch whisky.
Chivas Brothers, a prominent name in the Scotch whisky industry, will be at the forefront of this initiative, employing a Volvo FM Electric 6×2 tractor unit to pull a tri-axle box van trailer. This electric truck will operate at a gross vehicle weight of up to 44 tonnes, demonstrating its capabilities in the transportation of heavy loads.
The Volvo FM Electric boasts three electrical motors, generating an impressive output of 666 horsepower and a continuous torque of 2,400 Nm. Equipped with five batteries, the Chivas Regal truck offers a range of up to 155 miles (250 km). Additionally, by utilizing the maximum of six batteries, the FM Electric can cover up to 186 miles (300 km) on a full charge.
The selected truck will be responsible for transporting approximately 24 tonnes of whisky on each journey, covering a daily distance of 250-300 miles. This amounts to an estimated annual mileage of at least 62,000 miles. By undertaking this pilot program, Chivas Brothers aims to explore the full potential of the electric truck and gain valuable insights into the benefits of electrification for heavy-duty vehicles in the future.
Overseeing the program is McPherson’s, Chivas Brothers’ longstanding haulage partner. The pilot will be based at McPherson’s local depot, conveniently located adjacent to Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid facility in Dumbarton. To support the electric truck’s charging needs, a 43-kW charger has been installed at the site.
This week, the electric truck will embark on its inaugural journey, symbolizing a significant step toward sustainable transportation in the whisky industry. Chivas Brothers estimates that this single electric truck could reduce its annual emissions by 155 tonnes. Moreover, the company has set a goal of reducing its overall carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.
By embracing this electric truck pilot program, Volvo Trucks and Chivas Brothers are championing the potential of eco-friendly transportation in an industry traditionally associated with conventional diesel vehicles. The outcomes of this initiative will shed light on the possibilities and benefits of electrification, paving the way for a greener future in heavy trucking.
