Wholesaler switches to electric trucks

Posted on Friday 1 January 2010

When fruit and veg wholesaler, T.G. Fruits, wanted a cleaner alternative to its IC engine trucks, it approached Mitsubishi dealer, Alto Handling, for help.

The wholesaler required trucks with a 1.5t capacity that could operate inside and outside and handle boxed fruit and veg. The EDiA EM was deemed a suitable solution. An electric truck, it delivers all-weather performance in a cleaner, cost-effective way.

Colin Ivory, managing director of Alto Handling, says: “There is a definitive movement towards electric trucks. They produce less noise and pollution, are fume-free, more economical and are better for the environment. It’s a straight forward alternative – electric is the way to go.”

T.G. Fruits ordered 4 EDiA EMs with modified waterproof cabs for the drivers and red Safety Zone lights. The company was one of the first to use the Safety Zone system in its warehouse.

Andy Griffiths, director of T.G. Fruits, says: “Our customers and staff think the safety lights are an excellent idea. Quite often we have wet conditions and long shifts and the lights are especially good at night.”

The safety system uses high-powered LEDs to create bold red lines on the floor behind and beside the truck. It provides an early warning to the operator and those around the area, giving them time to move out of the way of the approaching vehicle.

Griffiths concludes: “Electric power is much cleaner and less expensive than LPG. Driver visibility is brilliant, and it’s not hindered by a large gas bottle on the back. The EDiAs are brilliant in the environment in which we work.”

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