Tate & Lyle’s new Volvo EVs help sweeten air in London

Sugar and syrup products producer Tate & Lyle Sugars has deployed two new Volvo FM Electric trucks, whose zero-emission credentials are contributing to cleaner air in and around the capital.

One of the vehicles, a 4×2 tractor unit, is fitted with five batteries each with approximately 90kWh capacity, providing 450kWh in total. It is engaged in clearance work between the company’s factory and a nearby external warehouse.

The second vehicle, a 6×2 tractor unit, is fitted with six batteries providing approximately 540kWh capacity, and is being used to deliver bulk dry and liquid sugar products to customers in and around London. Tate & Lyle is using the truck’s batteries to supply the power take-off (PTO), which blows the product into the customers’ silos – an application the firm believes is unique to its operation.

“For our bulk customers, we deliver via road tanker and upon arrival feed the sugar directly to their storage silos, which feed their production,” explained Matthew Whitwell, head of logistics and customer services at Tate & Lyle Sugars.

“To make this possible, our 6×2 Tate & Lyle EV tractor unit is fitted with a compressor, which is powered by the tractor unit’s batteries, and uses air to move the sugar out of the tanker and into the storage silo.”

In order to facilitate recharging of the vehicles, Tate & Lyle has installed a fast charging station at The Thames Refinery, its East London base.

The company is currently tracking the number of deliveries and mileage covered by the electric vehicles, which between them have made over 600 movements and covered 11,000 miles since they were first deployed in March and April.

Since both are operating fully within the M25, they are also compliant with Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard. The tractor units and accompanying trailers and tankers have been kitted out in striking liveries featuring the famous Tate & Lyle and Lyle’s Golden Syrup brands.

“The vehicles are operating well; it is very encouraging to see how they have slotted in alongside their diesel counterparts so seamlessly,” said Matthew Whitwell.

“The feedback from the drivers is positive also: they have quickly familiarised themselves and are enjoying the quiet ride and abilities of the vehicles.”

He added: “We’re glad to be pushing forward with initiatives like this one, which are part of a bigger picture – ensuring our entire supply chain reflects our values of sustainability, responsibility and continuous improvement.”