UK: CRH subsidiary Tarmac has urged the government to raise the vehicle gross weight limit for four-axle rigid vehicles in order to support the electrification of construction transport. Current gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits of 32t disproportionately affect payload capacities for electric vehicles fitted with lithium ion batteries, which weigh 2 – 4t, according to the concrete producer.
Logistics director Ben Garner said "Battery energy density is improving – which means a longer range for lower battery weight – but, for now, electric mixers remain best suited for urban deliveries, where they can charge at depots or batching plants between runs. For longer routes, or sites without high-power charging, the payload compromise is still a significant challenge. If we want to encourage widespread adoption of decarbonised transport solutions in construction, we have to make allowances – either by increasing the limit, or allowing the introduction of five-axle vehicles that are in common use across many European countries.”
Installer News has reported that Tarmac recorded a 42t/yr reduction in CO₂ emissions using an electric ready-mix concrete mixer truck instead of its diesel equivalent.
