Fresh Direct orders Paneltex refrigerated electric trucks 21 May 2012

Following a two-year trial, running a 7.5-tonne Zeroed electric truck, from Paneltex, in London, foodservice supplier Fresh Direct (UK) placed an order with Paneltex at this year's CV Show for two new 5.5-tonne Zeroed electric trucks.

These will be used for supplying customers in and around the Oxford area, and the initial move to electric vehicles is being seen as a significant change for Fresh Direct.

"For some while now, we have been monitoring the performance of this trial vehicle," explains as Nick Allen, head of business improvement at the company.

"We are serious about looking at alternative solutions to traditional vehicles for operating environments, such as London and Oxford, where travelling distances are relatively low and environmental issues are paramount."

The electric vehicles will be supplied on a four-year contract and both will be based on the 5.5-tonne Isuzu 4x2 chassis cab, fitted with 14 ft refrigerated single compartment Paneltex bodies, running with ThermoKing electric refrigeration systems.

"The low daily mileage for these vehicles meant we were able to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by installing reduced capacity batteries, which enabled us to maintain the payload capability," comments Chris Berridge, managing director at Paneltex.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd
Paneltex Ltd

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