Wholesaler goes green with Mitsubishi

Wholesaler T.G. Fruits has upgraded to electric trucks with the help of Mitsubishi dealer Alto Handling.

 T.G. Fruits is a family-run wholesaler which supplies the food service sector in Brighton and the surrounding areas. Working with fresh fruit and veg, the company were after a cleaner alternative to IC engine trucks. The company approached Mitsubishi dealer Alto Handling with the determination to change to electric trucks for an economical and environmental route.  

The company required trucks with a 1.5 tonne capacity – able to operate inside and outside – with the ability to handle boxed fruit and veg. The EDiA EM was the perfect solution. 

The electric truck delivers an all-weather performance in a cleaner, cost-effective way. Colin Ivory, managing director of Alto Handling, said, “There is a definitive movement towards electric trucks.  

“They produce less noise and pollution, are fume-free, more economical and are better for the environment. It’s a straightforward alternative; electric is the way to go.” 

T.G. Fruits ordered four EDiA EMs with the modification of waterproof cabs for the drivers and the red safety zone lights. The company were one of the first to use the safety zone system in their warehouse. 

Andy Griffiths, director of T.G. Fruits, added: “Our customers and staff think the safety lights are an excellent idea. Quite often we have wet conditions and long shifts and the lights are especially good at night.” 

The safety system uses high-powered LEDs to create bold red lines on the floor behind and beside the truck. It provides an early warning to the operator and those around the area, giving them time to move out of the way of the approaching vehicle. 

He concluded, “Electric power is much cleaner and less expensive than LPG. Driver visibility is brilliant, and it’s not hindered by a large gas bottle on the back. The EDiAs are brilliant in the environment we work in.”