Chivas Brothers, one of Scotland’s leading Scotch whisky producers and makers of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet, has announced the delivery into service of Scotland’s first on-road all-electric tractor unit in partnership with electromobility market leader Volvo Trucks.

The truck is a Volvo FM Electric 6×2 tractor unit pulling a tri-axle box van trailer and operating at up to 44 tonnes gross vehicle weight. Specified for the purposes of transporting Scotland’s biggest export, Scotch whisky, the truck is capable of hauling approximately 24 tonnes of whisky per journey and will cover between 250-300 miles per day, clocking up at least 62,000 miles per annum.

It forms the basis of a first-of-its-kind pilot programme, to be managed by McPherson’s, Chivas Brothers’ long-term haulage partner, designed to push the truck to its full capabilities and help the industry understand how electrification can benefit heavy trucks in the future. This truck alone will cut Chivas Brothers’ carbon emissions by 155 tonnes per annum, part of the business’ commitment to reducing its overall carbon footprint by 50 per cent by 2030, and further contributing to Scotland’s own goal to achieve net-zero status by 2045.

The pilot is expected to run for an initial two-year period, from which the truck’s range, uptime, safety and operational ease of use will be assessed to determine the viability for a wider rollout across Chivas Brothers’ transport fleet in the future.

“We are a proudly Scottish business and feel a deep responsibility to further the sustainability agenda, not only in whisky but for Scotland at large. While it is a true first for both, enabling us to progress towards a sustainable future for Scotch, innovating in electrification stands to benefit industries well beyond our own,” said Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers.

“We passionately believe that creating the highest-quality whisky should not mean compromising on sustainable and responsible business practice. This pilot will show us what is possible through long-term collaboration with partners who recognise the importance of our sustainability vision and remain steadfast in innovating to realise our shared success,” Jean-Etienne Gourgues added.

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