Te Loo BV chooses Volvo FH Electric when buying 8×4 tipper truck

For more than a century, Te Loo has been a trusted name in the transport world in and around the Achterhoek region. The family business, founded in 1921 by great-grandfather Gerrit Jan, is today run by Henri te Loo and his wife Audrey. Where it once started with peat and coal, Te Loo has now grown into a specialist in the transport of asphalt, soil, sand or gravel, but also in flatbed trailer transport and ice control.

Almost 105 years after its founding, the fourth generation is making history with the purchase of a fully electric Volvo FH Electric 8×4 tipper with tridem trailing axle and air suspension. "Electric driving is a logical step for us," Henri says. "Our customers, including Ploegam and Dura Vermeer, have ambitious sustainability goals. Thanks to them we came into contact with electrification. With the purchase of this Volvo, we hope to generate new work - and so far this is working out very well." 

Richly equipped

The May 30 delivery marked a first, as it was the very first zero-emission 8×4 tipper truck in the north and east of the Netherlands. The FH Electric is further richly equipped with the maximum six battery packs of a combined 540 kWh, the Media package, Driver package, Range Optimization package and an extensive exterior trim. The tipper body was provided by Vossebelt TruSteel, with stainless steel sheet metal parts incorporated into the bodywork. Oude Hendriksman Techniek installed an overpressure system. 

The truck is also versatile in a practical sense. "We use the FH Electric for asphalt transport, but also for sand, gravel or soil," says Henri. Thanks to the OHT filter technology, the truck may even transport contaminated soil. The steered last axle also makes the rear tipper extremely maneuverable, even in urban areas. A nice detail: Henri and Audrey's two daughters contributed to the design. They came up with the plug on the truck and the slogan on the side: Why diesel, when it can be electric. 

Positively surprised

Delivered by Volvo Trucks dealer Paashuis Bedrijfswagens, the electric FH will operate until the end of this year on the Lampenbroek parched nature restoration project in Klarenbeek. Everything there runs completely emission-free, from excavators and shovels to seven trucks. Henri: "On behalf of Ploegam, we use the truck for old-fashioned 6×6 work. It positively surprised us how strong and robust this Volvo is. Even though it lacks front-wheel drive, it performs excellently and pulls 20 tons effortlessly through loose sand."   

Te Loo's fleet totals nine vehicles, mostly 10×4 and 8×4 tippers (with or without Wide-Spread tandem axle). The main part consists of asphalt transport, but soil, sand and gravel are also transported daily. The company also has a low loader for transporting construction equipment. In addition, the company has a tradition in snow removal. "Since the 1970s we have been spreading salt for the province of Gelderland," Henri explains. "With our new Volvo that will soon be the intention as well." 

Feasible map

The four-axle FH Electric fits seamlessly into this broad deployment, according to Te Loo. "This is how we show that emission-free operation is a viable option in our sector." A crucial factor in the switch from diesel to electric is the driver, according to Henri. "Ultimately, success stands or falls with the driver's willingness to embrace sustainability. André had already gained an affinity for electric driving at his previous employer and was immediately open to going for it together. Only then does success lie ahead." 

For example, the regular driver of the Volvo FH Electric does an excellent job of driving seven loads from Klarenbeek to Zutphen and still has 16% of battery capacity left. Henri got behind the wheel of the dump truck himself this summer during André Bargeman's vacation. "I did notice during that period that we can easily do our work with the range of this truck. That says it all. Of course, zero-emission transport sometimes requires a different way of planning, but in practice it turns out to be surprisingly workable."

Comfort and convenience

An electric truck also provides more than just emission reduction, meeting the needs of construction clients. According to Henri, the benefits are numerous. For example, the silence in the cabin makes for relaxed driving. In addition to lower maintenance and power costs, he also mentions the convenience of the Volvo Connect app, which allows remote monitoring of charging status and driving data.
"This gives confidence that the truck will always start with full batteries after an overnight charging session." Charging is done at the truck's own site in Vorden via a 40 kW mobile AC charger from AVIA Volt. "We have an AVIA tag to charge on the road, but we haven't needed it yet, except to test it once," he said. 

For Te Loo, this is the first Volvo in the fleet. Nevertheless, the choice was quickly made. Henri: "I considered several brands, but Volvo is simply the furthest along with electric trucks. After a visit to the factory in Sweden I was convinced. Both technically and in terms of model range, Volvo Trucks is leading the way." 

Setting the bar high 

He is also enthusiastic about the cooperation with Paashuis Bedrijfswagens. "We are used to our truck dealer setting the bar high and Paashuis can effortlessly measure up to that. Minor points after delivery were resolved perfectly. In addition, for a small fee Volvo Trucks completely relieved us in the subsidy process - still an amount of over a ton, so serious money. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail."
Although purchasing an e-truck is a substantial investment, Henri clearly sees the added value. "Power is cheaper than diesel, and with the advent of road pricing and a possible excise tax increase on fuel, the business case will only become more favorable. Of course electric driving requires a different mindset, but once everything is running, it is a serious alternative." 

Te Loo notes that fellow carriers are sometimes skeptical. "Many entrepreneurs say, 'It will be my time.' But I am convinced that you have to invest to stay future-proof. If you don't, you are farming backwards."

Pioneering spirit rewarded

The move to electric fits the pioneering mentality of the tipper transport company from Gelderland. "We always enjoy trying out new developments," Henri says. "My father is now 85, but still follows all innovations closely. For example, we are proud of our sustainable concept for maintenance of asphalt roads in Portugal, in which a specially calibrated spreader truck can dust with dry sand thanks to a water system on the tires. This sets us apart in the market." 

That power of innovation does not go unnoticed. During the delivery of the Volvo FH Electric, Henri and Audrey were surprised by insurer TVM with a nomination for a TVM Award in the Innovation category. "We are super proud of that," he enthuses. "This electric Volvo 8×4 is not just an investment, but a statement that we are going along with the transition to a sustainable GWW sector. We are happy with this step and have not regretted it for a second. The FH Electric proves every day that emission-free transport works in practice. If it is financially feasible, this certainly tastes like more."