Evri is trialling two electric HGVs in an effort to further reduce emissions in the first and middle mile of a parcel’s journey.

The electric trucks join the existing fleet which includes 190 bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) tractor units, 44 vehicles running on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), 168 electric vans and over 20 e-cargo bikes.

During the month-long trial, which is due to conclude at the end of September, Evri is testing a Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor unit and a 16t rigid from its hub in Rugby.

The Volvo FM Electric has a load capacity of 23 tonnes, a battery capacity of 450-540 kWh which should deliver a 300km (186 miles) range.

The vehicle has 3 electrical motors and performs up to 2400 Nm and 650 hp.

David Landy, head of fleet at Evri, said: “We’re delighted to have the vehicles to try out and learn from them.

“We’re keen for our site teams to get used to the new technology as we continue to grow a more sustainable fleet.

“These journeys require an extensive range to maintain efficiency of the parcel journey, so it’s the toughest areas to decarbonise.”

Evri has reduced its operational carbon emissions by 31% since last year and reduced its carbon per parcel by 10% in 2022-23 from a 2020/21 baseline.

It expects to deliver more than 500,000 parcels with e-cargo bikes this year and hopes to have an alternative-fuel solution in first, middle and final mile.

Earlier this year, Landy spoke to Fleet News about the delivery firm’s fleet multi-fuel approach. Read more here.