10 hybrid commercial vehicles hit the road in our carbon Net Zero journey
VolkerRail has introduced ten self-charging hybrid vehicles into its commercial fleet as part of its commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions, aiming to reduce its direct carbon footprint significantly.
VolkerRail is proud to announce the introduction of ten self-charging hybrid vehicles into its commercial fleet, marking a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions.
VolkerRail’s fleet accounts for 40% of the company’s direct carbon emissions. These first ten vehicles are expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by up to 14 tonnes of CO₂ - the equivalent of ten round-trip flights from London to New York.
Unlike traditional vehicles, self-charging hybrids combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, automatically recharging the battery during driving and braking. This eliminates the need for external charging, making them a practical, safe, and sustainable choice for colleagues who frequently drive long distances without carrying small plant or bulky equipment. As self-charging hybrids, they also don’t require roadside charging points. This allows our teams to maximise productivity by reducing downtime for charging, helping us to manage fatigue levels and enhance driver wellbeing.
Katherine Haigh, head of environment and sustainability at VolkerRail, commented: “The arrival of these vehicles is an exciting time for the company, and an important step on the road to reducing our carbon footprint.
“Working across the length and breadth of the UK presents challenges when transitioning to alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, which makes this achievement even more important. This milestone demonstrates our determination to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining the reliability and efficiency that our operational teams depend on.”
Matthew Smith, fleet sales manager at Vertu Toyota Chesterfield, said: “VolkerRail is ahead of the curve when it comes to transitioning to alternative fuel vehicles. The carbon saving made by having 10 self-charging Corolla on their fleet is immense. Toyota is committed to meeting the diverse needs of customers such as VolkerRail, with its multi-pathway product strategy towards carbon neutrality.”
Transitioning to hybrid technology is just one of many initiatives VolkerRail is implementing to meet its sustainability goals. By decarbonising our fleet, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also setting a strong example of responsible business practices.
Chris Turner, part of our test and commissioning teams was the first to collect one of the new vehicles, and we look forward to hearing how these hybrids deliver wider benefits for the team as they begin their journey on the road.
