A LEADING Scotch whisky producer who has a site in Clydebank has partnered up to unveil Scotland’s first on-road all-electric tractor.

Chivas Brothers - who has a facility in Dalmuir – has joined forces with electromobility market leader Volvo Trucks to produce the cutting-edge vehicle which will be used to transport its whisky across Scotland.

The all-electric tractor unit - a Volvo FM Electric 6x2 - is capable of hauling approximately 24 tonnes of whisky per journey and covers between 250-300 miles per day.

It is equipped with technologically advanced safety features and real-time energy status monitoring.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “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.

“We passionately believe that creating the highest-quality whisky should not mean compromising on sustainable and responsible business practices.

“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.”

The electric tractor unit is part of a pilot programme designed to assess the viability and benefits of electrification for heavy trucks.

The two-year pilot programme, managed by Chivas Brothers' long-term haulage partner McPherson's, aims to assess the truck's range, uptime, safety, and operational ease of use, potentially paving the way for a wider rollout across Chivas Brothers' transport fleet in the future.

Neil Park, managing director of Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland added: “Chivas Brothers and McPherson’s are setting a fantastic example by becoming early-adopters of a new generation of heavy truck which meets the demands from society for dramatic cuts in CO2 emissions.

“It’s our mission to support customers in making the switch to electrification, and we are looking forward to growing this collaboration together.”

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% by 2030, and further contributing to Scotland’s own goal to achieve net-zero status by 2045.

The whisky giant - makers of Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet - has already rolled out other sustainable transport solutions across its operations, including a fleet of six circular bio-gas trucks and 19 site-based shunt vehicles, approximately half of which are currently trialling hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.