Halfords is making a major step towards reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions with the introduction of 20 cutting-edge vehicles into its mobile tyre fitting fleet. These new vans are designed to operate with lithium-powered equipment, eliminating the need for engine idling during tyre repairs. The vans, developed in collaboration with Bri-Stor Systems, offer a sustainable solution for mobile tyre fitting services across the UK.
Lithium-Powered Technology
The vans are equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery that powers onboard tyre-fitting equipment, effectively reducing reliance on the engine. This innovation is part of Bri-Stor Systems’ Power360 strategy, which focuses on introducing sustainable technologies to the fleet market. The technology was extensively tested over two years, particularly in urban environments where engine idling is a common issue. The results showed significant reductions in fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and harmful gases compared to traditional engine-driven systems.
Karl Baker, Director of Operations at Halfords Mobile Expert, praised the collaboration with Bri-Stor Systems:
"Delivering a greener, more sustainable fleet is an opportunity for us all... This is a watershed moment for Halfords, and I am proud that we are contributing to the development of technologies that have the capability to make the world a better place."
A Step Towards Greener Fleets
With growing pressure on the fleet industry to reduce environmental impacts, the introduction of these vans showcases Halfords’ commitment to sustainable solutions. The use of Portable Power Technology’s Pro Energy Pack solution eliminates the need for engine-idling, a practice that consumes up to 2 litres of fuel per hour and generates over 5.26kg of CO2. The new system reduces fuel costs and maintenance expenses by preventing unnecessary engine wear.
The vans utilise an integrated solid-state auxiliary power system, which is recharged while the vehicle is in transit between jobs. During trials in cities like Birmingham and London, this technology delivered over 30% reductions in fuel consumption without requiring additional charging infrastructure.
Andrew Goodwin, Sales and Marketing Director at Bri-Stor Systems, highlighted the importance of this innovation:
"What the Halfords initiative proves is that we have the capability... to deliver robust, sustainable solutions for the most demanding commercial operations. This technology... supports the transition to EV vehicles."
Durability and Cost-Effectiveness
The benefits of the lithium-powered vans extend beyond fuel savings. With real-time 4G monitoring, fleet managers can track battery health, energy usage, and diagnose issues remotely, reducing the need for on-site engineers. Additionally, components like the compressed air systems and tyre-fitting equipment have been redesigned for greater efficiency and can be redeployed after their initial use, further promoting sustainability.
The adoption of these vans by Halfords marks a significant step forward for the mobile tyre fitting industry, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible operations.
