Tarmac orders UK’s first battery electric mixer truck

Tarmac has placed an order with Renault Trucks for the first battery electric mixer truck in the UK as part of the company’s commitment to net zero. 

Due to be delivered in the autumn, the electric mixer will immediately be put to work at Tarmac’s Washwood Heath site in Birmingham, supplying essential construction materials to customers across the West Midlands. 

Tarmac is working with Renault Trucks and Total Vehicle Solutions (TVS) to develop the next generation of mixers and has ambitions to see them in widespread use across its urban operations. 

As Tarmac procures 100% of its site electricity from clean energy sources – wind, solar and hydro power – the new vehicle will operate as a carbon neutral solution.

In addition to making the transition to zero tailpipe emissions, EV mixers reduce noise and vibration, while contributing to improving air quality, particularly when operating in urban areas and low and zero emissions zones.

The truck will have the ability to fast charge within one-and-a-half to two hours if needed and have a 265kWh battery with a guarantee of up to 10 years operation. 

John Anderson, logistics director at Tarmac, said: “This order marks the first practical step towards a whole fleet transition to electric mixers and demonstrates our commitment to lead by example as we continue to turn our net zero ambitions into actions.   

“One of Tarmac’s key sustainability goals is to be at the forefront of implementing low CO2 transport and logistics solutions, and this shows us doing exactly that. We’re looking forward to serving our customers across the West Midlands with this fully electric truck in the autumn.”

The 26 tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide will come with enhanced safety features, as the batteries provide a lower centre of gravity, improving stability. The speed of the drum rotation is also computer-controlled to optimise energy consumption for loading, unloading and transit of different types of mix.

The design of the vehicle has been developed following successful collaboration last year through Tarmac’s Supplier Innovation challenge and Supplier Sustainability Week, which saw suppliers working to find solutions to accelerate the industry’s progress to reach net zero.   

Andrew Scott, head of electric mobility at Renault Trucks, said: “We’re delighted to partner with TVS Group to bring the first electric concrete mixer into the Tarmac fleet. Work began on this vehicle as part of their Supplier Innovation Challenge last year, and it is very exciting that it will soon enter service bringing a range of concrete products to Tarmac’s customers. 

“We welcome Tarmac’s commitment to bring more fully electric vehicles into its operations, which reflects the company’s ambition to decarbonise its vehicle fleet and its confidence in Renault Trucks and TVS to bring innovative zero carbon emissions solutions into service.” 

Kevin Walker, technical director at TVS, added: “This initial solution uses a hydraulic system, with the full electric drive expected to be released in 2023. The project has proudly been supported by Scottish Enterprise, and the electric concrete mixer will be manufactured in Motherwell, Scotland.

“TVS and McPhee Mixers have worked hard to develop a more efficient and sustainable mixer solution. This is a significant milestone for TVS and our McPhee Mixer brand, and we look forward to working closely with Renault Trucks in expanding the Tarmac fleet as they commit to bringing more innovative zero-carbon solutions into service.”

This order comes as part of the Tarmac's wider strategy to decarbonise its vehicle network, following its commitment to upgrade its 2,000-strong fleet of corporate cars and vans to electric vehicles by 2030.