Traffic management vehicle specialist Acklea has introduced a zero-emission electric model, extending its range of recyclable plastic-bodied 7.2-tonne commercial vehicles.
The firm said the new battery EV truck is the UK’s first electric traffic management vehicle of this size.
The vehicle was created for Ringway for use in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and will operate from Ringway’s three London depots, all of which have EV charging facilities.
Acklea said the new truck retains the totally recyclable copolymer plastic body that makes its 7.2-tonne vehicles ‘exceptionally lightweight’ and has a modular design capable of reducing whole-life costs by up to 30%.
The firm built the vehicle, which is again based on the Iveco Daily seven-tonne chassis with van-like driving controls, with Ringway and Astra Vehicle Technologies Ltd, accommodating lithium-ion batteries and EV technology within the existing chassis.
Clive Brocklehurst, product manager at Acklea, said: ‘We are seeing high demand for our plastic units from road maintenance organisations because they’re sustainable and reduce costs and downtime. They can also be further equipped and tailored to match each customer’s individual requirements, which makes them easily adaptable and flexible for a range of uses.
‘The zero-emission electric vehicle was the logical next step for sustainable motoring, and especially relevant for businesses working in cities with Clean Air Zones like the ULEZ. We’re combining the latest EV battery technology with a copolymer plastic body that’s lightweight, recyclable and tough enough for any road maintenance task.’
Chris Forrest, fleet and plant operations manager at Eurovia, which owns Ringway, said: ‘Acklea’s plastic EV traffic management vehicle does everything we need, efficiently and cost-effectively, and for the first time with a battery at its heart instead of a traditional diesel engine.
‘It has a range in excess of 200 kilometres on a full charge and has the full range of safety equipment to support our work crews.’
