Scoop: first Volvo FH Aero Electric with ADR AT approval for JGT 

De Jong-Grauss Transport (JGT) of Hoogvliet has a special first. The container transport specialist has taken delivery of the first Volvo FH Aero Electric in Europe with ADR AT approval that allows it to transport a specific category of hazardous materials. 

Volvo Trucks is the first truck manufacturer in Europe to provide an electric truck with ADR approval. "Until now, you couldn't do ADR transport with an electric truck, but now you can," says Jan Verlaan, director of JGT. 

The Volvo FH Aero Electric has RDW approval for ADR AT transports. This means that a number of specific types of ADR transports may be carried out with this truck, such as the transport of toxic substances, volatile substances and solids. 

"So for our clients who want to have these substances transported, we can now carry out the transportation emission-free with this electric truck. Because they too are concerned with reducing their CO2 footprint and ask us what we as transporters are doing in terms of the environment and sustainability. That ties in with our commitment to reducing our CO2 emissions and the arrival of this electric truck contributes to that.", light Verlaan toe. 

50 tons GCW 

A key advantage of the Volvo FH Aero Electric is that the truck is technically and legally suitable for a combination weight (GCW) of 50 tons and has a relatively low own weight. After a comparison, JGT therefore chose Volvo Trucks. 

"In our business, every kilo counts, so a high GCW combined with the payload is a big plus.", says Verlaan. "Of our 110 trucks, half are already Volvo, so we know both the brand and the people behind it. That trust is extra important with a new step like electric driving." 

The truck was delivered by Volvo Trucks dealer Volvo Group Truck Center. Verlaan: "They gave us excellent advice on what we needed, including solutions for the charging infrastructure. VGTC also went through the process for us at the RDW to get the ADR AT approval." 

Charging at your own location 

The truck is equipped with six battery packs, good for a total capacity of 540 kWh. Charging is done on JGT's own premises. "At our facility in Hoogvliet, we have a mobile charger. At the end of the working day, the truck goes on the charger so that the batteries are fully charged again in the morning when the driver leaves," Verlaan says. 

Driver enthusiastic 

Meanwhile, JGT has made its first trips with the new truck. Verlaan: "This first electric truck is a test case. Not only for drivers, but certainly for planning as well. We are going to find out in practice what is feasible and realistic. In any case, the driver is very enthusiastic. I myself have now driven around and what strikes me is that the truck drives like a luxury car and the silence in the cabin is also a big plus as far as I am concerned." 

Economical driving 

The Volvo FH Aero Electric is part of the new Volvo Aero range: the most fuel-efficient series Volvo Trucks has ever developed for long-distance transportation. Distinctive is the aerodynamic design of the truck. For example, the cabin of the Volvo FH Aero is 24 centimeters longer than that of a standard Volvo FH, which greatly improves aerodynamics and thus reduces energy consumption and increases its range.