Ringway Introduces Volvo Electric Trucks to Boost Sustainable Fleet Operations in London

Ringway has taken a major step towards decarbonising its urban fleet by introducing two of Volvo’s newest electric trucks into service across London, marking a milestone for the highways maintenance sector.

The company is among the first in the UK to integrate the Volvo FM Low Entry electric model into its fleet, specifically designed to meet the demands of dense urban environments. Each of the two vehicles has been customised for a distinct operational purpose, both supporting Transport for London (TfL) contracts.

One of the vehicles is a 32-tonne FM Low Entry 8x2 Tridem, fitted with full air suspension and a tipper-grab body manufactured by Thompsons. This heavy-duty truck is designated for general highway maintenance across the capital.

The second vehicle, an 18-tonne 4x2, is equipped with a front-mounted Palfinger crane and a dropside body, also by Thompsons. Its primary role will be in street lighting maintenance, including installing and removing lamp columns in various locations around the city.

Ringway Managing Director Mitesh Solanki said the decision to trial the FM Low Entry models reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to improve safety, drive innovation, and reduce carbon emissions.

"We’ve selected two very different setups to assess how these trucks perform under varying conditions," Solanki explained. "We’re building on the success we’ve had with the 26-tonne Volvo FE Electric introduced last year, and the FM Low Entry gives us a more robust platform for heavier tasks."

He also addressed a common misconception regarding mileage:"These vehicles don’t need to travel hundreds of miles a day. The diesel trucks they’re replacing typically covered around 50 miles per shift, which makes them excellent candidates for electrification."

Simulations conducted by Ringway and Volvo suggest that even in challenging winter conditions, and with frequent crane use, the electric trucks would return to base with over 50% battery capacity remaining. This level of efficiency is made possible by the four onboard batteries, which deliver a total energy capacity of 360 kWh. Performance modelling also confirmed that the trucks will remain effective after seven years of operation, factoring in energy usage by auxiliary systems such as cranes, body hydraulics, and warning lights.

Solanki added, "This deployment marks a first not just for us, but also for Volvo and the wider UK highways industry. It demonstrates how electric heavy-duty vehicles can be realistically and effectively integrated into complex urban maintenance operations."