Tarmac trials all-electric ready-mix concrete mixer deliveries across Birmingham

An all-electric ready-mix concrete mixer has successfully completed a three-month trial of commercial deliveries across Birmingham for Tarmac.

The vehicle, created in partnership with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet, is the first of its kind to operate in the UK with zero tailpipe emissions, the firm claims.

It saves 42 tonnes of C02 annually with zero emissions per mile compared to 1.55 kg of CO2 per mile for its fossil fuel equivalent.

The mixer forms part of Tarmac’s strategy to develop integrated low carbon logistics by offering decarbonised transport for the last mile of a construction project.

Operating out of the company’s rail-fed Birmingham Plant at Washwood Heath, it builds on Tarmac’s extensive logistics network which includes more than 60 rail connected sites across the UK.

As part of the vehicle’s development, the partnership team created a new digital operating system alongside improving safety measures during operation. The truck also offers reduced noise and vibrations, alongside its air quality credentials.

Ben Garner, Tarmac’s low carbon logistics lead, said, “We have committed to being at the forefront of implementing low CO2 transport and logistics solutions and the successful operation of this e-mixer is a significant milestone for both Tarmac and the UK construction sector.

“With the arrival of this new vehicle, we’re able to offer something completely new to the market and demonstrate that a fully integrated low carbon logistics model is possible.”

Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product Development, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said, “Like Tarmac we share the highest ambitions to decarbonise the construction sector and see this as the first of many zero carbon vehicles which we can introduce together to help drive carbon out of construction.”

Kevin Walker, Technical Director at TVS Interfleet, said, “To develop the new electric mixer, the TVS Interfleet team was asked to completely forget everything they thought they knew about building mixers and start from scratch, which has resulted in a mixer with several new patents. While the original brief was to deliver energy saving benefits and a focus on decarbonising the construction industry through electrification, other benefits have also been realised including heightened safety and a quieter operation; all of which adds to the long list of benefits the e-mixer delivers.”