Milk float

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A milk float is a small battery electric vehicle (BEV), specifically designed for the delivery of fresh milk. They were once common in many European countries, particularly the United Kingdom, and were operated by local dairies. However, in recent years, as the number of supermarkets, small independent grocers and petrol stations stocking fresh milk has increased, most people have switched from regular home delivery to obtaining fresh milk from these other sources.

Milk floats travel fairly slowly, usually around 10 to 15 miles per hour. Operators often exit their vehicle before they have completely stopped to speed deliveries; milk floats generally have doors that can be left open. They are very quiet, suiting operations in residential areas during the early hours of the morning or during the night.

The leading manufacturers of milk floats in Britain in the twentieth century have included Smith's, Wales & Edwards, Osborne, Harbilt, Brush, Bedford and Leyland. Today, Bluebird Electric Vehicles[1] and Smith's Electric Vehicles[2] remain in the industry.

Horse-drawn milk floats in the late nineteenth century preceded the modern electric version [3]. Today, with rounds expanding in coverage to ensure profitability in the face of falling levels of patronage, the limited range and speed of electric milk floats has resulted in many being replaced by small vans, often diesel-powered.

A collection of milk floats and other BEVs is kept by the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Trust at their museum.