NHS Supply Chain has commenced a trial of a prototype series hybrid vehicle - the first of its kind in the UK.
Conceived by DHL’s GoGreen and engineering teams, and developed with UK hybrid and electric vehicle drive specialist, Magtec, the hybrid electric truck features an onboard power generator plus an innovative super capacitor energy storage system.
The ground-breaking design has the potential to achieve significant cost savings as well as reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25%.
The 14-tonne vehicle is being trialled around London as part of the NHS Supply Chain contract.
From the outside the truck looks the same as any other, but it is inside where the changes can be seen. The gearbox has been replaced by three buttons: forward, reverse and neutral, which is all that’s needed to drive the vehicle. And the regenerative braking system makes the truck particularly suitable for city traffic.
Andy Grant, who is an NHS Supply Chain driver with 25 years experience, said: “It was a really smooth and responsive drive and the cabins are designed for comfort, which enhances the driver experience.
“The vehicle represents a substantial commitment to a sustainable future for the NHS Supply Chain and the impact this will have for our customers. If the trial proves successful and the truck generates higher savings than existing parallel hybrid vehicles, the new technology could play a major role in preserving our future.