Breedon Group trial fully electric ready-mix vehicle

Breedon Group launch a three-month trial of a fully electric ready-mix concrete vehicle at Raisby quarry in County Durham.

The trial, launched in partnership with Putzmeister and Zenobē, is a significant step for Breedon as it executes its ambitious net-zero strategy. The introduction of the battery electric vehicle (BEV) will result in a substantially reduced rate of carbon emissions through its sophisticated BEV configuration.

With approximately eight hours of running time in urban areas without the need for a recharge, the iONTRON eMixer can support a full day's operations. Its electric motor means noise emissions are significantly reduced, further aiding in its suitability for operations located in densely populated, urban environments. The 9m3 drum is comparable to conventional mixers, resulting in operational performance which is comparable to Breedon’s existing internal combustion engine-powered fleet.

The custom-built vehicle is 100% electrically powered and equipped with a substantial 350kWh battery provided by SANY, the parent company of Putzmeister. Zenobē will monitor the operational performance of the vehicle and will provide the charging infrastructure; a 120kWh free-standing DS Series charging unit that will be located at Breedon’s Raisby quarry.

In working collaboratively with Putzmeister and Zenobē, leading operators in the battery electric vehicle and charging infrastructure ecosystem, Breedon will enhance their understanding of BEV’s and how the introduction of these vehicles can help the industry cut emissions.

Breedon is committed to achieving its ambitious carbon reduction targets, and the findings of this trial could pave the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the quarrying and construction sectors.

Mike Pearce, managing director of Breedon GB Materials, said: “We are very pleased to be part of this exciting development, which shows our commitment to helping our sector reduce carbon emissions. Our trial of the battery electric ready-mix vehicle is a major step forward in our decarbonisation journey and demonstrates our responsibility and ambition in embracing innovative solutions.

“Breedon is always looking for ways to evolve and utilise new technologies to reduce the impact of our products and services on the environment, communities and colleagues. Over the next three months, we look forward to working closely with our partners on this trial, and exploring how our findings can support greater change across the entire industry.”

Kevin Eichele, head of business development at SANY eTrucks, stated: “At SANY and Putzmeister we’re not just building machines reducing emissions, we’re building a cleaner future for people. Used in urban areas our eMixer will outperform diesel mixers on noise levels as well as TCO and we are very excited to bring this into action together with Breedon.”

Steven Meersman, co-founder, director Zenobē, said: “We know that data and analysis are crucial for successful electrification – from planning through delivery and operation. This trial with Breedon Group, SANY and Putzmeister is another fantastic demonstration of the viability of heavy fleet electrification in the construction sector. Through collaboration we will gain shared insights that will further the electrification of the sector at speed and scale.”