Warburtons adds six electric vehicles to UK fleet

The four new E-Tech D16 trucks have been supplied by Renault Trucks, which also supplied Warburtons with its first 16-tonne electric truck that was first deployed out of its Enfield depot in April 2021.

In addition to the new E-Tech D16 trucks, Warburtons has also purchased its first electric vans, which are two Renault Trucks E-Tech Master vans with Luton bodies. The moves come as part of the baker’s commitment to transition towards a zero emission fleet.

Supplied by Renault Trucks dealer JDS Trucks & Vans, the four E-Tech D16 vehicles will join Warburtons’ secondary fleet, delivering fresh bakery products direct to stores across the UK.

The vehicles will operate from four of Warburtons bakeries in Enfield, Glasgow (Bellshill), Bristol and Bolton. Meanwhile, the E-Tech Master vans will be located at Enfield and Bristol.

‘Excellent feedback from drivers’

Commenting on the additions to the Warburtons fleet, head of transport Steven Gray said: “The performance of our first 16-tonne electric truck has given us the confidence to make this significant investment in four further E-Tech D16 trucks.​

“By carefully planning the first vehicle, studying routes, diminishing loads and tail-lift systems, we specified the right vehicle for the job, which has delivered the same quality of service to our customers with zero emissions. We have also had excellent feedback from our drivers who enjoy the quieter, smoother ride, and with any initial range anxiety soon put to rest.”​

Describing the secondary fleet that the new vehicles would join, Gray said it was ideal for electric trucks and vans because the routes are “low stem mileage of less than 100 miles​” and make between 30 to 35 deliveries.

“All vehicles are on the road by 4am, returning by lunchtime with long dwell times back at base that are perfect for charging, using 22 kW EV charging points installed by EO​,” Gray added.

‘Relationship has been excellent’

Aftersales support for the E-Techs will be provided by the local Renault Trucks dealers including Renault Trucks Scotland, Renault Trucks South West, JDS Blackburn and Norfolk Truck & Van in Enfield, which was also the servicing dealer for Warburtons’ first electric vehicle.

Gray believes that developing a strong relationship with the local Renault Trucks dealers has been critical to the successful addition of the new vehicles.

“JDS is our main point of contract, and since we started working with them four years ago, the relationship has been excellent​,” he continued.

“The team at Norfolk Truck & Van has also done a cracking job, and this is one of the reasons that we are placing a second electric truck as well as one of the new E-Tech Masters at Enfield​.”

In other news, a women has been fined for intentionally obstructing a National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) officer during an unannounced visit.​​