Canter Eco Hybrid scores green for CLEAN Linen Services 18 December 2013

Textile rental firm CLEAN Linen Services reckons it's making big savings on fuel, while also cutting its carbon footprint, with its first Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid 7.5 tonne box van .

CLEAN financial director Martin Oxley says the vehicle, which is handling collection and delivery work in London, is achieving 26—31 mpg, compared with 15—18 mpg averages on similar work by the operator's Mercedes-Benz Atego 7.5-tonners.

As a result, the firm – which acquired the Fuso Canter with box body by Wessex Vehicle Services under a CharterWay contract hire agreement for 50,000km a year with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services – has now ordered a second, identical light truck from Rygor, in Reading.

The Eco Hybrid 150bhp diesel engine works in parallel with a slimline 54bhp electric motor, positioned between the clutch and Duonic automatic transmission. The vehicle sets off using electric power before switching automatically to a combination of diesel and electric at around 6mph.

Oxley says that the firm strives to be green but operates in a very competitive environment so has to be conscious of costs, too. "The fact that the vehicle also adds up from a business point of view is crucial," he comments.

And he adds that the Canter's compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and class-leading 5-tonne payload also make it ideal for CLEAN's urban operations. "Payload is vital for our operations so it's ideal to have that extra carrying capacity, not least because it can make life easier for our transport department in terms of route scheduling."

That payload is thanks to the light weight of its electric motor and lithium-ion batteries (which have a 10-year, unlimited mileage warranty), as well as the Fuso chassis. Mercedes-Benz also argues that these contribute to reduced fuel usage and less wear and tear on the driveline and braking system than other, heavier vehicles in its gross weight class.

CLEAN operates approximately 40 rigid trucks with gross weights of between 7.5 and 18 tonnes. The company bought its first Mercedes-Benz vehicles four years ago – today, Mercedes trucks accounts for 95% of its fleet.

"Our Mercedes-Benz trucks have proved very reliable, cost-effective to operate and popular with our drivers," states Oxley.

"Of course, at 7.5 tonnes gvw the Mercedes-Benz Atego doesn't offer the same fuel efficiency or payload as the Canter Eco Hybrid, but it's a different type of vehicle, While the Canter is spot on for city centre work, the Atego's higher specification and comfort make it better suited to medium range operations."

Author
Brian Tinham

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