Essex-based Burnt Mills Tyres Limited is marking its 30th anniversary with a significant step towards sustainability by introducing its first fully electric vehicles. The company, known for its on-site and roadside tyre fitting services, has added three new Renault Trucks E-Tech Master L2H2 panel vans to its fleet. The move is part of Burnt Mills Tyres’ ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact while continuing to deliver high-quality service to customers.
Supplied by Peter Thirkettle at Norfolk Truck and Van, the electric vans are set to cover between 50 and 100 miles a day, supporting local tyre fitting operations around Basildon, where they will also be charged. The switch to electric is not only an environmentally friendly move but is also expected to reduce operational costs, with significant savings on fuel.
The decision to go electric with Renault Trucks is a natural evolution of Burnt Mills Tyres' longstanding relationship with the manufacturer. Will Bray, Managing Director of Burnt Mills Tyres, emphasised the importance of this partnership:
“Over the years, we’ve relied on Renault Trucks for their unmatched reliability and cost-effectiveness. Our long-standing relationship with the sales team at Norfolk Truck and Van, especially with Peter Thirkettle, played a significant role in our decision. I value working with people I know and trust, and Renault Trucks has always been our ‘go-to’ manufacturer for the demands of our business.”
Will Bray notes that over the 30 years of operation, Burnt Mills Tyres has primarily relied on Renault Trucks to meet its business needs, praising their suitability and durability in the demanding world of tyre fitting.
The Renault Trucks E-Tech Master, featuring a 75kW electric motor and 52kWh lithium-ion battery, offers a real-life range of up to 120 miles per charge, making it ideal for Burnt Mills Tyres’ daily operations. As Will Bray highlights, the reduction in fuel costs alone makes these electric vehicles a valuable addition to their fleet. The electric vans also provide the advantage of operating without restrictions in highly regulated areas, such as London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), thanks to their zero-emissions and zero-noise features.
To ensure smooth operations, the vehicles have been equipped with a split battery charging system to run on-board tyre fitting machines. Additionally, Burnt Mills Tyres has installed charging facilities at its Basildon depot, further simplifying the transition to electric vehicles.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Burnt Mills Tyres has also refreshed its branding. The company’s iconic “Burnie the Hedgehog” logo has been updated with a modern twist, now proudly displayed on the new electric vans. The company has even added a playful touch to the new branding with a sticker reading “NO DIESEL ENGINES LEFT IN THIS VEHICLE OVERNIGHT”, symbolising their move away from traditional fuel sources.
“As we celebrate 30 years, we felt it was important to modernise our look with something a little faster and sharper, while staying true to our roots. Our branding is well known locally, and this refresh celebrates the longevity of our business and the quality of service we provide,” said Will Bray.
Burnt Mills Tyres' first steps into the world of electric vehicles mark a key milestone in their sustainability journey. Will Bray is confident that the company’s fleet will double in the coming years, with plans to become 100% electric.
“Even though we are a small company, this project has inspired us to become more efficient and greener. These are our first EVs, and it’s an exciting time. I’m confident that our fleet will double in the next few years and that we will become 100% electric,” he added.
With this strategic move, Burnt Mills Tyres is not only celebrating its past achievements but also laying the foundation for a sustainable future, setting a powerful example for other businesses in the tyre industry.
For more information about Burnt Mills Tyres and its 30-year journey, visit their website at Burnt Mills Tyres.
