First-of-Its-Kind Battery Powered Concrete Transporter in the UK
At Milbank Concrete Products, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. We’re excited to announce the arrival of our newest technological addition to our factory: the UK’s first battery powered concrete transporter.
This state-of-the-art machine represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency.
Powered by a cutting-edge lithium battery pack, this new machine is a welcome addition to our wider sustainability drive, replacing an older model that was initially diesel-powered and later transitioned to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). While the HVO conversion was a significant step toward reducing our carbon footprint, the new transporter takes this to the next level.
What Does Our New Concrete Transporter Do?
Concrete production is the heart of our operations, and the new battery powered concrete transporter is designed to keep this heart beating efficiently and sustainably.
Concrete is prepared in our batching plant and delivered to the production line in specially designed buckets. The concrete transporter then takes over, smoothly and quietly delivering the concrete mix to the casting machines which are also electronically powered.
As the casting machines extrude the concrete into its desired form, the transporter ensures it is continuously supplied, keeping the production line running seamlessly.
Zero Emissions and Solar-Powered Efficiency
Building on the original concept of our bespoke transporter—created by our maintenance foreman in collaboration with a local fabricator —this new model incorporates advanced technology to deliver unprecedented performance and sustainability benefits.
The result is a machine that not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern concrete production.
The shift from diesel to electric power has resulted in dramatic reductions in our CO2e emissions. Before 2021, the previous transporter was responsible for producing 20 tonnes of CO2e annually. By switching to HVO, we cut this down to just 279kg per year. Now, with the new transporter, charged entirely through our onsite solar panels, we have achieved zero operational emissions—an incredible milestone in our sustainability journey.
The concrete transporter’s lithium-ion battery pack, with a capacity of 21.5 kWh, provides more than a full day’s operation on a single charge. With over 3000 charge cycles and a full recharge time of less than 1.5 hours, this transporter ensures minimal downtime and maximum productivity. Furthermore, the advanced safety features, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and real-time obstacle detection, enhance both operational efficiency and workplace safety.
As we continue to invest in greener technology, the introduction of the battery powered transporter marks a significant step towards our goal of a more sustainable future. By reducing our carbon footprint and embracing cutting-edge innovation, we’re setting new standards in the concrete manufacturing industry.