During the successful two-week trial, the Somerset-based cheese producer used the Volvo FM Electric truck for milk collections from local supplier farms and for cheese haulage from its dairy to the maturing stores.
The truck was charged from 100% renewable electric generated on the farm through anaerobic digestion and solar panels, and is capable of operating at up to 46 tonnes gross vehicle weight on six axles and equipped with five batteries with a range of 300km.
Wyke Farms plans to transition to EV haulage within 18 months as part of its wider sustainability strategy, which includes green energy generation, reduced carbon emissions, waste minimisation, local conservation efforts and carbon offsetting.
Commenting on the trial with Volvo Trucks, Wyke Farms managing director Rich Clothier said: “The immediate benefits include a cleaner, quieter method of delivery, which is especially important for night-time collections.
“Moving to EV transportation is a significant step forward in our journey to building a carbon neutral future for dairying”.
Wyke Farms is a family-run business that has been in the Clothier family since 1861. Today, it produces more than 18,000 tonnes of cheddar per year, exports to 167 countries around the world and boasts retail sales worth more than £120m.
In May 2023, Wyke Farms released the ‘UK’s first’ carbon neutral butter, after partnering with the Carbon Trust to assess the footprint of the entire production process.
Several other food manufacturing businesses have started their own transition towards green haulage with Volvo Trucks over the past year or so, including Cereal Partners UK, potato producer Branston, Agrial Fresh Produce and Mona Dairy.
In other news, the UK Government has announced plans for the introduction of a deposit return scheme from October 2027, pushing back the previously agreed date of October 2025.
