{"id":35693,"date":"2026-02-20T15:09:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T15:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/news\/how-a-major-uk-builders-merchant-is-electrifying-a-180-truck-fleet-with-ep\/"},"modified":"2026-07-16T13:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T12:00:25","slug":"how-a-major-uk-builders-merchant-is-electrifying-a-180-truck-fleet-with-ep","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/news\/how-a-major-uk-builders-merchant-is-electrifying-a-180-truck-fleet-with-ep\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Major UK Builder\u2019s Merchant Is Electrifying a 180-Truck Fleet with EP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Customer profile <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The customer is a large UK builder\u2019s merchant, operating 38 branches nationwide and managing a fleet of approximately 180 counterbalance forklifts. Their operations involve demanding outdoor and mixed-use environments, typical of builder\u2019s merchant yards across the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC01946.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC01946.jpg 800w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC01946-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC01946-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC01946-600x401.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The challenge <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historically, the customer relied on diesel counterbalance forklifts across their network. While robust, these trucks came with increasing challenges: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rising running and fuel costs <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ongoing maintenance requirements <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pressure to modernise fleet operations and reduce reliance on fossil fuels <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a large, distributed fleet and high utilisation across multiple branches, the customer began exploring alternatives that could reduce operating costs without compromising performance in tough yard conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The solution: EP EFL Series lithium forklifts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After evaluation, the customer selected <a href=\"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/product\/efl303\/\">EP EFL Series<\/a> lithium counterbalance forklifts, starting with an initial delivery of 2 trucks, as part of a wider planned rollout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The EFL Series proved to be a strong fit for builder\u2019s merchant applications due to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A compact 3.0-ton design, ideal for branch-level operations <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long battery life suited to daily yard use <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Low maintenance requirements compared to diesel trucks <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A design built like a traditional yard truck, capable of handling outdoor environments while delivering the benefits of lithium power <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This combination allowed the customer to transition to electric without sacrificing durability or usability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safety-driven specification <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safety was a key consideration for the customer, who operates under strict site safety rules across all branches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trucks were specified with: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A weight overload system to prevent unsafe lifting <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A green seatbelt beacon, reinforcing operator compliance <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional features such as reduced noise levels and smooth operation, contributing to a safer working environment <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These features are increasingly becoming standard expectations in large merchant yards, with customers now also requesting options such as\u00a0white noise alarms\u00a0for forward and reverse travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"931\" src=\"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment-1024x931.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment-1024x931.png 1024w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment-300x273.png 300w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment-768x698.png 768w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment-600x546.png 600w, https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/How-a-Major-UK-Builders-Merchant-Is-Electrifying-180-Truck-Fleet-with-EP-Equipment.png 1313w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost savings and efficiency <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the main drivers for the switch was cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At a high level, the customer is achieving <strong>savings of over \u00a37,000 per truck per year<\/strong> when compared with diesel equivalents. <br>These savings are driven primarily by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The significant cost difference between diesel fuel and electricity <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced servicing and maintenance requirements <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower downtime and simplified daily operation <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the life of a forklift, these savings quickly scale across a large fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fleet rollout strategy <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initial delivery forms part of a rolling replacement programme, with plans to replace 8\u201310 trucks per year until the entire fleet transitions to electric. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This phased approach allows the customer to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Manage capital investment effectively <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standardise specifications across branches <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradually eliminate diesel trucks from their operation <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early feedback <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early operational feedback has been very positive, with operators highlighting: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower noise and vibration <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A smooth, comfortable drive <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practical features such as USB ports, sun visors, and fast charging times <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These usability improvements help support operator acceptance and long-term adoption across the fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry perspective <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Dave Fellows, Area Sales Manager at <a href=\"https:\/\/forktrucksolutions.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/forktrucksolutions.com\/\">Forktruck Solutions Ltd,<\/a> explains: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cSwitching from fossil fuels to electric can save a customer thousands over the life of a forklift, while also significantly reducing their carbon footprint.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":35691,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":""},"news-categories":[],"class_list":["post-35693","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/35693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ep-equipment.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-categories?post=35693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}