Working within a 50 miles radius of the company’s 130,000 sq. ft site in Coleshill, Warwickshire, the Volvo FM Electric truck will be primarily utilised for collections and deliveries on behalf of LTS’ retail, automotive and construction customers across the West Midlands.

It is currently only the second all-electric Volvo truck to be operating within the Birmingham area.

Following a three-week trial, the vehicle was purchased from Birmingham-based Hartshorne Group, one of the leading commercial vehicle distributors for the West Midlands, East Midlands, Shropshire, and Staffordshire with which LTS Global Solutions has had a relationship with for the past 10 years.

With an operational range of 280 kilometres, the truck boasts a six-battery energy storage capacity to enable enhanced range, as well as three electric motors to provide instant power and energy savings. The charge time for the vehicles is between 8-10 hours and is charged using a 46-amp charger.

Also featured on the Volvo FM Electric is an I-shift gearbox, globetrotted cab, Volvo dynamic steering as well as front and rear air suspension.

The vehicle is on a full repair and maintenance contract with Hartshorne Group.

James Cowen, Managing Director at Hartshorne, said: “The Hartshorne Group are delighted to have been able to support the LTS team with their first Volvo Electric Truck, as they embark upon leading the change towards a more sustainable future.”

LTS Global Solutions has always operated an extremely stringent fleet replacement programme which sees older trucks replaced with newer more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Volvo FM Electric provides an added boost to this ongoing campaign.  

To take a robust and data-led approach to reducing its operational carbon footprint, LTS Global Solutions has partnered with internationally recognised carbon reduction and net zero specialists Planet Mark to work towards achieving Planet Mark Business Certification – which certifies and recognises progress in reducing carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and core elements of Scope 3.

Operating at the centre of climate tech, advisory and legislation, Planet Mark brings together the best of people, technology and nature with a unified model that helps their 800+ members achieve tangible business results that stand for meaningful climate action.  

By harnessing accurate carbon data analysis and reporting, Planet Mark will require LTS Global Solutions to make annual carbon reductions of at least 2.5%, targeting 5%. The Planet Mark measurement methodology is fully aligned to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and all data is verified with evidence provided by LTS Global Solutions, which will be captured from across its operations. Business Certification allows for boosting operational efficiency and identifying potential cost savings.

To promote the partnership between the two businesses, LTS Global Solutions’ new Volvo FM Electric truck is liveried in LTS’ brand colours, along with the Planet Mark logo.  Additionally, to reinforce its message, the vehicle is proudly emblazoned with the words ‘I’m Electric’ for all to see.

Dave Hands, Managing Director at LTS Global Solutions commented: “Making positive contributions to reducing our emissions is something that is continually top of mind at LTS Global Solutions and an ethos which we look to apply to every aspect of our operation.

“From replacing vehicles on a three-year cycle to the latest models to completing our recent move into a state-of-the-art, purpose built Net Zero carbon in construction facility, we are always looking at new and innovative ways to improve our carbon footprint. Adding a Volvo FM Electric truck to our fleet with the help of Hartshorne Group is the latest step on our sustainability journey.

 “While the 280km range of the vehicle has its limitations in terms of its long-haul capabilities, it will still prove ideal for collection and delivery within the region where it will be applied, and we are very much looking forward to seeing it in action, out on the road.

Dave continued: “This addition to our fleet is yet another positive milestone for the business and we are incredibly proud to be showcasing our commitment to embracing the latest vehicle technologies currently on the market by purchasing the Volvo FM Electric.”