Tarmac e-mixer up for national transport award

UK’s first all-electric truckmixer shortlisted in Innovation category at Motor Transport Awards

THE UK’s first all-electric ready-mixed concrete truckmixer, which is now in full operation at Tarmac’s Birmingham Plant, has been shortlisted for a national award recognizing innovation in transport.

The ‘e-mixer’, created in partnership with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet, has been shortlisted in the Innovation category at the Motor Transport Awards. The award is designed to recognize new technology or initiatives that drive improvements such as improving safety, cutting emissions and delivering great service.

The new e-mixer is the first of its kind to operate anywhere in the UK with zero tailpipe emissions. With the same average capacity as a conventional diesel vehicle, it is expected to save 42 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with zero emissions per mile compared with 1.55kg of CO₂ per mile for its fossil fuel equivalent.

The mixer forms part of Tarmac’s strategy to develop integrated low-carbon logistics. 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.

Kevin Walker, technical director at TVS Interfleet, which submitted the award on behalf of all three organizations, said: ‘A lot of hard work from all teams went into creating this, and we’re so proud to have created the UK’s first all-electric mixer. It’s even more gratifying to have this hard work recognized by the Motor Transport Awards, especially alongside some fantastic entries in our category.

‘Our mission at TVS Interfleet is to enable the growth of the commercial and industrial vehicle businesses that use our products. We take pride in leading the modernization of our industry and pushing it forward for better.’

Ben Garner, Tarmac’s low-carbon logistics lead, said: ‘We’re delighted that the e-mixer has been shortlisted for this national award. From a winning idea at our Supplier Innovation Challenge in 2020, we’ve worked with TVS Interfleet and Renault Trucks to develop and implement the UK’s first electric mixer. It’s great to know it’s reducing carbon emissions with every journey it makes and playing its part in improving air quality.

‘Tarmac are committed to innovating and implementing low-carbon transport and logistics solutions. Working with our partners on this milestone project has helped to show what’s possible for both Tarmac and the wider sector in our journey to reach net zero.’

Andrew Scott, head of electric mobility and product development, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: ‘We are delighted to be part of this outstanding submission for Innovation with Tarmac and TVS Interfleet in 2023. This first electric concrete mixer has brought together many innovations which, combined, promise to change the whole mixer sector, not just the electric model which has been the catalyst for the changes.’

As part of the vehicle’s development, the partnership team created an entirely new digital operating system alongside improving safety measures during operation. The truck also offers reduced noise and vibrations, while contributing to improved air quality, particularly when operating in urban areas and low- and zero-emissions zones, such as Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. The e-mixer also boasts increased energy savings and has a longer lifespan compared with its traditional internal combustion engine counterparts.

Prior to being shortlisted for the Innovation category at the Motor Transport Awards 2023, the e-mixer was awarded the BAA Award for Safety and Innovation at The UK Concrete Show in March 2023.

Tarmac are continuing to work with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet  to develop the next generation of mixers. The company has ambitions for their eventual widespread use across its urban operations as part of its Act Sustainability Strategy and roadmap to net zero.

The Motor Transport Awards will take place in London on 6 September 2023.