Florim’s virtuous path towards sustainability continues with an innovative e-mobility project for heavy transport. Florim will utilise heavy vehicles manufactured by the Scandinavian company Volvo Trucks and powered exclusively with energy self-generated in Florim’s photovoltaic installations (12,3 MWp of power installed over an area of 127.000 sqm) and its 2 cogeneration plants. The first two Volvo FH Electric 4X2 tractors with 6 traction batteries (540 Kwh of nominal on-board power supply) will be operational from early May to transport slabs from the Mordano plant (dedicated to the production of the large formats) to the Fiorano Modenese plant (for processing and logistics). Additional all-electric vehicles will be added to supplant the current diesel fleet in its entirety. The vehicles will make multiple daily trips and, when fully operational, the entire fleet of 5/6 electric articulated trucks will lead to a reduction of approximately 560 tonnes per year of CO2 emissions. The electric engine of the vehicles will also reduce noise pollution, resulting in a better working environment for the drivers and a more liveable environment for the residents in the areas impacted by the transport of goods.
Florim is the first ceramics company in the world to promote and implement an electric mobility plan for transporting goods. “We are determined to reduce our production- and transportation-related CO2 emissions. For Florim, the collaboration with Volvo is a source of pride, as it makes us pioneers of an electric mobility project for transporting goods in the ceramics industry. It is an innovative approach to reduce our environmental impact in an area with high levels of heavy vehicle pollution”, says Claudio Lucchese, Chairman of Florim SpA SB.
“We support Florim’s decision because we are persuaded of the significance of pursuing sustainability together. Innovation and environmental consciousness are two fundamental values that have united our enterprises and made this first significant electrification project a reality”, States Giovanni Dattoli, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Italy.
At the Fiorano and Mordano sites, Florim has also made investments in the internal charging infrastructures required to ensure that the batteries are powered by self-generated energy. The definition of the proper infrastructure, i.e. fast-charging stations that optimise vehicle productivity, was aided by a dedicated Volvo Trucks team in collaboration with particular partners. The charging stations for Volvo Trucks join those already in place to fuel the company’s plug-in hybrid vehicles that already formed an integral part of its fleet.
By contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, the company once again demonstrates its dedication to environmental preservation and the adoption of sustainable practises.
