ADM, Voltloader launch EV trial for wheat transportation

(Posted on 09/05/24)

ADM has announced a trial programme with Voltloader, an innovative logistics and transportation company focused on the electrification of HGVs, to leverage Voltloader's cutting-edge electric bulk fleet vehicles to transport wheat from farm fields to ADM processing locations.

The programme aims to help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting wheat from ADM farmer customers to ADM milling locations, in line with the company's commitment to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2035. Voltloader has already begun delivering 10 loads a week from wheat farms to ADM's processing facility in Corby, Northamptonshire, UK, using the state-of-the-art electric vehicles specifically designed for the agricultural sector. Using Volvo FM Electric tractors and specially adapted Weightlifter tipping trailers, the vehicles are configured for optimum payload and range.

If successful, the programme could expand to other ADM milling locations in the UK.

"We are delighted to be working with Voltloader on this initiative to help answer our customers' call for more sustainably sourced field-to-flour solutions. ADM is uniquely positioned to reduce the carbon footprint of food and agriculture at every point of the value chain, from farm to customer, with initiatives ranging from our new UK regenerative agriculture program, to this trial with Voltloader, to our efforts to enhance the efficiency of our processing facilities," said Ashley Fuller, commercial director, ADM Milling UK.

"We are very excited to collaborate with ADM, enabling them to move towards achieving their vision for a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain," said Dave Rose, Founder and CEO at Voltloader. "Replacing a diesel truck for a truck running on renewable electricity can directly prevent up to 100 tonnes of CO2 per year from entering the atmosphere, not to mention many other harmful gases. This collaboration is about leading the industry towards a more sustainable future."

ADM is an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. They are a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature and a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new consumer and industrial solutions.

Voltloader is an electric bulk haulage and HGV charging provider based in Cambridgeshire. They use Volvo FM Electric 4x2 tractor units, each equipped with a substantial 540kWh batery capacity. To optimise payload capacity, these tractors are utilised in conjunction with Weightlifter tipppping trailers.

Voltloader's mission is to assist its customers in managing the relatively high initial capital costs associated with transitioning to electric vehicles, while enabling long-term benefits like emissions reduction and cost savings. The company is also pioneering the concept of long-term price stability for its customers by anchoring its pricing with extended fixed-price electricity contracts.