First all-electric Volvo FM Low Entry hits the road in Ireland

The zero tailpipe-emission battery electric FM Low Entry combines near-silent running with excellent visibility for the driver, thanks to a five-star Direct Vision Standard rating.
 

Egis Lagan Services will use the new truck as an impact protection vehicle as part of its contract with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to carry out maintenance work on the M8.
 

Peter Csabai, Winter Service & Maintenance Manager, Egis Lagan Services, says: “Over the past few years we have been looking at an increasing number of alternative fuel vehicles to meet the company’s aim of reducing transport-related emissions, and this is the latest part of that project.
 

“Before placing the order, we had two electric trucks from different manufacturers on demonstration for two weeks. The Volvo came out as the clear winner.
 

“By putting this zero-tailpipe emission truck into a real-world trial we will help TII’s sustainability goals in terms of carbon reduction, which are in line with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Ultimately, the ambition is to keep the truck in service for between 10 to 15 years, replacing a diesel truck, and eliminating those resulting emissions.”
 

Supplied by Michael McCarthy, Sales Director at McCarthy Commercials, the FM Low Entry 4x2 is fitted with a flat-bed body, from Swords Auto, which is designed for traffic management duties with crash cushion on the rear.
 

It will be based at the business’ Cahir depot where it will charge between shifts before heading back onto the road.
 

Egis Lagan Services worked closely with McCarthy Commercials to carry out a detailed route simulation, ensuring the new electric truck was specified with the optimal battery configuration for its intended duties. The FM Low Entry is equipped with four traction batteries, providing a total capacity of 360 kWh.
 

Working on a 100 km stretch of the M8 from Urlingford to Fermoy, it will be regularly manned by a four-person team, with the FM Low Entry’s flexible interior spec’d in the three-passenger seat configuration. The passenger seats are placed at the back of the cab, not in the view of the driver, to minimise blind spots and contribute to excellent visibility.
 

“The crew cab design was essential for our needs,” adds Csabai. “Our operatives are working in live lane situations and must always get out on the non-traffic side of the road, which can change depending on which lane is closing. Any vehicle that has a middle console would be an unsuitable obstruction.
 

“The overall design of the truck is very impressive, making access to and from the cab as easy as possible and the visibility for the driver is first class.”
 

Equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering system for effortless steering and reduced vibrations, the FM Low Entry is backed by a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract for ultimate peace of mind. The contract guarantees the performance of the traction batteries beyond the two-year warranty that comes with the truck as standard.

 

Established in 2013, Egis Lagan Services undertakes motorway maintenance and renewals on the TII’s motorway and high-speed dual carriageway road network.