Webfleet supports Mitchells of Mansfield in its drive to become 100% carbon neutral by 2027

London, September 14, 2023 — Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has supported Mitchells of Mansfield’s zero carbon crusade by providing a proven business case to switch to the UK’s first electric Renault truck.

The Nottinghamshire-based pallet distributor – which aims to become carbon neutral by 2027 – has become the UK’s first operator of an 18-tonne Renault E Tech D Wide electric truck, identified as a feasible transition by Webfleet’s fleet electrification planning report.

Webfleet telematics data was used to confirm which truck should be replaced and with which battery.

With Webfleet, we could see exact mileage, tail lift use and average speeds for the original diesel truck – allowing us to anticipate exact energy needs, explained Managing Director Richard Montgomery.

This meant we didn’t overspend on battery packs we didn’t need and it ensures that the battery will perform right up to the end of its term.

The truck is ideal for urban deliveries in and around Nottingham, a city which plans to become carbon neutral by 2028.

The transport sector currently accounts for 24% of UK greenhouse gas emissions so the time to act is now – not tomorrow, said Richard. The truck may have been three times the price of a diesel truck, but with an eight-year-old daughter’s future to consider, I know there is no ‘plan B’. We don’t need greenwashing – we need real action to reduce our carbon emissions.

We’ve already attracted some major contracts as a direct result, with clients citing our commitment to green transport as a key driver in their decision making.

Webfleet is also keeping Mitchells updated on charging needs.

Rather than investing in an expensive proprietary chargepoint, we’ve simply run a three-phase electrical cable out to a charging post at our Mansfield depot and it works faultlessly, said Richard.

We get an email alert via Webfleet whenever the truck is plugged in, when it has reached capacity and if there are any interruptions with the charger.

We will also definitely be swapping three of our diesel vans to electric later this year, if the Webfleet data proves the business case.

The investment has also had a significant positive impact on driver safety with Webfleet OptiDrive 360 highlighting instances of speeding, harsh steering or sudden braking across the fleet of 55 trucks.

We are fiercely proud of our reputation at Mitchells, added Richard. And our drivers are our brand ambassadors – so safe and considerate driving is important to us. Webfleet quickly shows us which drivers need support with driver training.

The company is committed to becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2027, with initiatives ranging from office lighting updates and electric forklift trucks to carbon offsetting.

Telematics specialists and Webfleet premium partner FMC Fleettrak advised on both solution and installation. Debbie Aldridge, Director at FMC Fleettrak added: Mitchells are one of our most inspiring and forward-thinking clients. This is such a great marriage of market-leading technology enabling a truly future-proofed fleet solution.