Greg van Hombergh, Managing Director, DFDS Scotland, says: “We want to support more companies looking to decarbonise their supply chains. This deployment and the valuable learnings from it are helping us move faster in that direction.
“Operating the FM Electric in the Shetland Islands is part of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered with Innovate UK. Together, we’re laying the foundations for a wider electric shift across the UK and northern Europe – sending a clear signal that the industry has entered a new phase of electrified transport.”
Replacing an older diesel unit, the Volvo FM Electric will operate with a refrigerated trailer for cold-chain deliveries. It will predominantly move fresh salmon and seafood for onward transport to mainland Scotland, as well as completing final‑mile retail deliveries for strategic partners in Shetland.
Bryan Hepburn, Operations Manager, DFDS Scotland, says: “The early signs are very positive. This deployment shows that electric trucks really can work anywhere and are ready to deliver time sensitive goods in pristine condition, even in places with harsh climates, where reliability matters more than anything else.”
The FM Electric is powered by three electrical motors, delivering 666 hp and 2,400 Nm of continuous torque, paired with a standard I-Shift gearbox for smooth and ultra-quiet operation. An electromobility traction control system manages power on slippery surfaces, while multiple drive modes allow the driver to balance performance, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Equipped with the maximum six batteries, the truck offers a range of approximately 300 km which is more than enough for DFDS’s local operational needs. It charges at the DFDS depot in Lerwick and at customer sites across the islands. Recent infrastructure investment has added strategically positioned charging hubs throughout Shetland, creating an ideal real‑world test-bed for grounding electric trucks in challenging conditions.
The vehicle features full air suspension, spacious Globetrotter cab, and Alcoa Dura Bright alloy wheels. Driver comfort is further enhanced with dual armrests, generous storage and fully electronic air conditioning with sun, mist, air-quality sensors plus a carbon filter.
To enhance safety, DFDS has opted to include Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking in the specification.
DFDS’s electric fleet is supported by comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contracts ensuring maximum uptime through preventative maintenance, repairs, and continuous monitoring of key systems including batteries and other critical components.
The truck will operate in Shetland for five years, covering approximately 30,000 km annually.
DFDS’s green transition ambition includes a 75% reduction in land-based emissions intensity from 2022 to 2030. As part of its effort to reach the targets, DFDS continues to develop a low emission truck fleet and at this point operates 149 electric trucks across Europe.