New Electric Gritter Truck Built on Volvo FE Electric Chassis Unveiled in the UK

The UK's Econ Engineering has launched a new electric gritter truck which can be operated year-round for a wide rane of applications. The first in this new ‘Econ Zero’ range is a fully operational prototype built on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric 4x2 chassis.

Key to the truck’s flexibility is Econ’s innovative new Electric Quick Change Body (E-QCB) system, which in addition to a gritter body, can be supplied with tipper bodywork for highways maintenance, or with a cage tipper for refuse collection and recycling.

Developed in-house by Econ, the E-QCB uses hydraulic rams to enable the vehicle to switch between demountable bodies in just 15 minutes, all controlled via a single operator.

Specified with four batteries, the FE Electric chassis offers a range of up to 250km, and a recharging time of just 2.3 hours with a 150 kW DC charger. 

The Volvo powertrain, with two electric motors combined with a two-speed gearbox, features power delivery handled by a traction control system developed to master slippery surfaces.

Its development follows a period of close partnership working between Econ Engineering’s R&D team, and product specialists from Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland.

Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, says: “Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception. The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”

Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, says: “The vehicle operates best in urban environments, where daily mileage is typically less than some longer distance motorway routes. As it is easy to switch body types with this model, customers can benefit from operating the vehicle all year-round. We are committed to continuing to evolve our Econ Zero range, and other renewable energy innovations, as the UK’s infrastructure develops in support of this.”

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.