Lancashire-based wholesaler James Hall & Co’s transport and logistics department has confirmed the delivery of an all-electric Spar refrigerated trailer, which the company reports as the first vehicle with an electric motor in its fleet.
James Hall & Co hopes the new vehicle will support the reduction of diesel costs and CO2 emissions.
The trailer will be used to deliver products from Spar’s Preston distribution centre to Spar convenience stores across the north of England.
The wholesaler has said its Preston site has the capabilities to charge the vehicle’s battery and pre-chill the loading area.
What’s more, the trailer’s battery pack has a reported five-hour reserve run-time to maintain operation of the fridge while on the move.
Ian Farnworth, fleet engineering manager at James Hall & Co, said:”We are very pleased to take delivery of the new trailer and it looks fantastic in its special livery.
“It is a first for us as a business and the trailer is already delivering savings when out on the road. We will be monitoring its performance with interest over the coming weeks and months.
“While it is supporting a reduction of costs on diesel as an associated benefit, at the forefront of the decision to invest in the trailer is the benefits it brings to the environment.
“We are also aware of an increasing number of cities and metropolitan areas within our patch that are implementing clean air zones and we are conscious of these factors when making investment decisions.”
The company has said the investment in the new trailer is part of its continuous replacement programme and marks its commitment to running a greener fleet.
