TfL Trials Electric Construction Vehicles with Mobile Charging
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
In a substantial leap towards a cleaner, greener future, Transport for London (TfL) is spearheading an innovative trial that promises to transform the construction landscape in the capital. Partnering with leading industry players, TfL is testing zero-emission construction vehicles equipped with a groundbreaking mobile recharging method—marking a UK first that could set a precedent for future projects.
The collaboration involves TfL working closely with FM Conway (FMC), Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), and SMT. Together, they aim to replace traditional fossil fuel-powered machinery with electric excavators and wheel loaders, a significant milestone for TfL as it aligns with the Mayor of London’s ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
This pioneering trial is not just about machinery; it’s a complete shift in how construction sites operate. The electric vehicles are powered by an innovative recharging approach provided by Charge Fairy, a British startup that is making waves in the electric charging sector. Charge Fairy’s technology offers real-time updates on the charging levels of the construction machines, allowing a dedicated team to dispatch a charging van to the site when needed. This unique system enables the electric construction equipment to be fully charged in just one hour, effectively revolutionising the way construction sites in London are powered and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
The trial is taking place at three junctions along Redcliffe Gardens and is slated to unfold over an 11-week period. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety by introducing raised sections of road designed to slow down traffic and improve crossing conditions for pedestrians. Additionally, the project will extend pavements to enhance bus stop accessibility. TfL is unwavering in its commitment to the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041.
It’s worth noting that diesel-powered construction excavators contribute emissions equivalent to more than 100,000 passenger cars. By transitioning to zero-emission alternatives, the construction industry could play a pivotal role in making London cleaner and greener. Early trial results have already shown promising outcomes; in just two weeks, the electric excavator managed to save over 100 kg of CO2 emissions—an amount comparable to the emissions produced by driving a petrol car for approximately 600 kilometres. Furthermore, additional harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, non-methane hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, were virtually eliminated when compared to the emissions produced by a diesel excavator performing the same tasks.
Environmental sustainability is at the core of this project, with FMC committed to reusing materials and recycling nearly all concrete waste generated during the works. Any additional waste produced will be repurposed for future TfL projects, thus ensuring that the environmental footprint of construction activities is kept to a minimum.
Carl Eddleston, TfL’s Director of Network Management and Resilience, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “The health of everybody in London is central to our work, and we are determined to meet our 2030 net-zero targets. That’s why I’m so pleased that we’re continuing to take these important steps to reduce emissions and protect air quality. The trial of electric construction vehicles at Redcliffe Gardens is such a vital part of achieving our goals, and our collaboration with FM Conway, Volvo CE, and Charge Fairy highlights how construction across our transport network can be environmentally conscious. We will review the trial results and continue exploring the best ways to decarbonise our network construction chain.”
Mats Bredborg, Electrification Leader for Volvo Construction Equipment, added his insights on the importance of this initiative. “Many Londoners may not realise that the smaller diesel construction machines they pass by every day are entirely exempt from emissions controls. This means they emit disproportionately high levels of harmful pollutants like NOx and particulate matter, contributing to poor air quality and posing serious public health risks. That’s why initiatives like this are so crucial—bringing the industry together to deliver a fully operational, electric, zero-tailpipe-emission solution that helps create cleaner, healthier streets for London.”
Matt Tallon, Sustainability Director at FM Conway, emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving net-zero ambitions: “FM Conway is always looking for ways to support Transport for London in reaching their net-zero ambitions. A robust supply chain filled with companies willing to innovate has been key in the delivery of this trial. This bespoke charging solution removes many of the barriers we have faced in the use of electric plant machinery, and we’ve seen from the works on Redcliffe Gardens that it represents a viable option for similar sites in the future.”
Ed Lea, Founder of Charge Fairy, expressed excitement about their role in this project: “As pioneers in mobile charging as a service, we’re thrilled to bring Charge Fairy technology to the construction industry. We’ve long advocated that bringing energy to electric vehicles can make more sense than taking the vehicle to a charger—nowhere is this more true than with construction equipment. Our work at Redcliffe Gardens with TfL, FMC, and Volvo CE has demonstrated how intelligent energy delivery enables electric plant to operate for a full workday, overcoming one of the key challenges of construction electrification.”
This innovative approach not only holds the promise of reducing emissions and improving air quality but also sets a new standard for future construction projects across London. As we move closer to a net-zero future, initiatives like this are essential in demonstrating how technology and collaboration can drive significant change in urban environments.
As we continue to monitor the progress of this trial, it’s crucial for all stakeholders—governments, construction companies, and the public—to rally behind such initiatives. The shift towards zero-emission construction vehicles not only benefits the environment but also enhances public health and contributes to the overall quality of life in urban areas.
In conclusion, the trial of zero-emission construction vehicles in London is a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against climate change. By embracing electric technology and innovative solutions, TfL and its partners are setting a precedent for how construction can evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals and serves as a beacon for other cities striving for sustainability.
Let us all remain committed to our collective goal of achieving net zero emissions, and continue to support initiatives that lead us towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
