A Mansfield business has become the UK’s first operator of an 18-tonne Renault E Tech D Wide electric truck as it aims to be carbon neutral by 2027.

Pallet distributor Mitchells of Mansfield was supported by Bridgestone’s fleet management solution. Webfleet, which identified the feasible transition.

“With Webfleet, we could see exact mileage, tail lift use and average speeds for the original diesel truck — allowing us to anticipate exact energy needs,” said Mitchells managing director Richard Montgomery (pictured).

“This meant we didn’t overspend on battery packs we didn’t need and it ensures that the battery will perform right up to the end of its term.”

The truck is ideal for urban deliveries in and around Nottingham, a city which plans to become carbon neutral by 2028.

“The transport sector currently accounts for 24% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, so the time to act is now – not tomorrow,” said Richard. “The truck may have been three times the price of a diesel truck, but with an eight-year-old daughter’s future to consider, I know there is no ‘plan B’. We don’t need greenwashing — we need real action to reduce our carbon emissions.

“We’ve already attracted some major contracts as a direct result, with clients citing our commitment to green transport as a key driver in their decision making.”
Webfleet is also keeping Mitchells updated on charging needs.

“Rather than investing in an expensive proprietary chargepoint, we’ve simply run a three-phase electrical cable out to a charging post at our Mansfield depot and it works faultlessly,” said Richard.

“We get an email alert via Webfleet whenever the truck is plugged in, when it has reached capacity, and of any interruptions with the charger.

“We will also definitely be swapping three of our diesel vans to electric later this year, if the Webfleet data proves the business case.”

The company is committed to becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2027, with initiatives ranging from office lighting updates and electric forklift trucks to carbon offsetting.

Telematics specialists and Webfleet premium partner FMC Fleettrak advised on both the solution and installation.

Debbie Aldridge, director at FMC Fleettrak, added: “Mitchells is one of our most inspiring and forward-thinking clients.

“This is a great marriage of market-leading technology enabling a future-proofed fleet solution.”