The UK’s first all-electric ready-mix concrete mixer has completed a three-month trial of commercial deliveries across Birmingham for sustainable building materials firm Tarmac.
The ‘e-mixer’, created in partnership with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet, is said to be the first of its kind to operate anywhere in the UK with zero tailpipe emissions. With the same average capacity as a conventional diesel vehicle, it is expected to save 42 tonnes of CO2 annually, with zero emissions per mile compared to 1.55 kg of CO2 per mile for its fossil fuel equivalent[1].
Tarmac says the mixer fits within its strategy of offering decarbonised transport for the last mile of a construction project.
Ben Garner, Tarmac’s low carbon logistics lead, said: “With the arrival of this new vehicle, we’re able to offer something completely new to the market and demonstrate that a fully integrated low carbon logistics model is possible.”
As part of the vehicle’s development, the partnership team created an entirely new operating system while also working to improve safety measures during operation. The truck also seemingly offers reduced noise and vibration. It addresses the goal of improving air quality, especially important for operating in urban areas and low and zero emissions zones, such as Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone.
The e-mixer also saves energy and has a longer lifespan compared to its traditional internal combustion engine counterparts.
Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product Development, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “Renault Trucks has been delighted to partner with Tarmac and TVS Interfleet in the development of the first electric concrete mixer in the UK. Like Tarmac we share the highest ambitions to decarbonise the construction sector and see this as the first of many zero carbon vehicles which we can introduce together to help drive carbon out of construction.”
Kevin Walker, Technical Director at TVS Interfleet, adds: “To develop the new electric mixer, the TVS Interfleet team was asked to completely forget everything they thought they knew about building mixers and start from scratch, which has resulted in a mixer with several new patents. While the original brief was to deliver energy saving benefits and a focus on decarbonising the construction industry through electrification, other benefits have also been realised including heightened safety and a quieter operation; all of which adds to the long list of benefits the e-mixer delivers.
“Ultimately, the successful launch of the e-mixer has been possible through the collaborative approach undertaken by all three companies. This new model of working sets the standard for future development and innovation, and one we hope will continue.”
The e-mixer was awarded the BAA Award for Safety and Innovation at The UK Concrete Show in March 2023.
Tarmac is continuing to work with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet to develop the next generation of mixers. The company has ambitions for their eventual widespread use across its urban operations as part of its Act Sustainability Strategy and commitment to be a net zero business by 2050.
Notes
[1] A typical 50% laden Rigid Artic > 17tonnes generates 1.55kg of CO2e per mile. The data can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2022
