What is eConsultancy?
Here at Midlands Truck & Van, we are paving the way to an electric future. We are proud to introduce eConsulting, a newly developed three-phase consultation service designed to provide comprehensive solutions for our ground-breaking Electric Truck range.
Whether you're managing a large fleet, or looking to make a smaller shift to electric, eConsulting offers a tailored approach.
The process is led by our very own eConsultant, Martin Kelly, who specialises in sustainable logistics. Martin has over 30 years of incredible industry experience and a real passion for electric vehicles and the benefit they have for our environment.
Martin helps businesses in the transition of their trucks to electric, guiding them through every step of the process. From assessing the current fleet's efficiency and identifying suitable electric vehicle alternatives to developing tailored implementation strategies.
By analysing local infrastructure, charging solutions and potential government increntives, Martin can assist in helping companies make informed decisions that not only reduce their carbon footprint, but also enhance their overall operational efficiency.
The eConsulting Process
The process begins with a route analysis of your fleet, which forms the foundation for subsequent decisions and measures in the eMobility consultation process. To prepare, you can test your readiness for eTrucks using our eTruck Ready App, which allows you to compare the routes driven by your diesel trucks with data collected for battery-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.
You can set important parameters such as body type, loading and unloading times, payload, and ambient temperature individually for each route.
Charging Infrastructure is also a key factor in implementing eTrucks. From depot charging, ideal for urban distribution, to opportunity charging, which allows trucks to charge while temporarily parked such as when unloading. Mercedes-Benz Trucks supports you throughout the entire process, from connection to the power grid to charging planning and management.
Using the identified measures, all related costs and possible subsidies are transparently broken down and analysed by our eConsulting experts. Utilizing Daimler’s software, the team ensures you are aware of the available grants, reduced taxes and eligibility for low emission zones. Other advantages include lower toll charges, lower costs at point of vehicle registrations or exemptions from driving bans in inner cities.
Martin can also help you to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio, in order to file a detailed application.
The last phase is implementation, where all necessary processes are integrated into your business operations. To ensure a smooth transition, Martin is on hand to advise and fully train staff, and importantly your drivers.
Drivers are educated on all crucial operating information for your eTruck. This includes the charging process and safety information, environmentally friendly driving habits which can contribute to a higher range, and battery-friendly driving styles which may increase the service life of the battery and optimised charging for maximum utilisation of the charging infrastructure
Fleet managers recieve technical training in dealing with a high voltage system, maximisation of its efficiency and the organisational implications. They are also given an insight into the drivers perspective of the vehicle and transition.
Welcome to The Trucking Interview on Truck & Van TV, produced in partnership with Trucking Magazine and Kumho Tyre.
In this episode, Truck & Van TV visit Midlands Truck & Van, the first Mercedes-Benz Trucks dealership in the UK to become 100% eReady, and speak to the team leading the transition toward electric heavy goods vehicles.
Managing Director Michael Carolan, who began his career as an apprentice technician in 1999, explains how the dealership has evolved into one of the largest Mercedes-Benz Truck dealer groups in the UK. Joining the discussion are Martin Kelly, eConsultant at Midlands Truck & Van, and Leonard Niemann from Daimler Truck UK. Together, they explore the real-world challenges and opportunities of electrifying the UK truck fleet — from charging infrastructure to driver acceptance and total cost of ownership.
The conversation also examines how the Mercedes-Benz eActros electric truck's range compares with diesel models and what operators need to consider when transitioning their fleets. #Trucking #ElectricTrucks #MercedesBenzTrucks #eActros #Logistics #FleetManagement
Chapters
00:00 Introduction – The Trucking Interview at Midlands Truck & Van
00:46 Meet the Team – Michael Carolan, Martin Kelly & Leonhard Niemann
01:30 From Apprentice to Managing Director
02:30 The Midlands Truck & Van Dealer Network
03:25 What “100% eReady” Means for a Truck Dealership
04:00 When Electrification Became a Real Priority
05:00 Driver Reactions to Electric Trucks
06:45 Investment Required to Become an eReady Dealership
08:35 How the Mercedes eActros Compares to Diesel Trucks
10:00 Supporting Fleet Operators Transitioning to Electric
13:20 Is the UK Haulage Industry Ready for Electrification?
15:45 Total Cost of Ownership vs Diesel Trucks
20:00 Operator Attitudes Toward Electric HGVs
22:40 Collaboration Across the Industry
24:45 The Future of Electric Trucking in the UK
26:50 Quickfire Questions – Favourite Truck & Industry Challenges
27:50 The Biggest Barrier to Electric Trucks: Charging Infrastructure
Topics covered in this interview
• The Mercedes-Benz eActros electric truck range
• Preparing dealerships for electric HGV servicing
• Charging infrastructure challenges for fleet operators
• Total cost of ownership vs diesel trucks
• Driver reactions to electric trucks
• Training technicians and apprentices for the future
