Tesco has reportedly become the first UK retailer to launch a zero-emission electric lorry to make deliveries from its distribution centres to stores in city centres.
What’s claimed to be the first electrically-powered lorry of its kind, made by Renault Trucks, is currently delivering to more than 400 stores in Greater London, with further electric lorries entering service in the coming months.
The lorry has a range of up to 130 miles and is able to carry the same payload as the diesel truck it replaces.
The vehicle is expected to replace around 30,000 miles per year of diesel-fuelled road miles with green energy, removing 23 tonnes of CO2e per year. To power it, Tesco has installed electric chargepoints at its Dagenham distribution centre.
What’s more, the Renault Trucks D Wide E-Tech lorry has multi temperature zones that allow the truck to move stock that has different temperature needs.
Tesco, which is also working with Volta Trucks on a prototype full-electric lorry, said adding electric delivery lorries to its fleet will contribute to the supermarket’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions in its own operations by 2035.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO, said: “We all want to see improved air quality and less pollution in our towns and cities, and electric vehicles will play a crucial role in achieving this.
“The Tesco distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and provides us with a great opportunity to roll out new technologies like this industry-leading E Tech electric truck from Renault Trucks.
“Together with our switch to electric home delivery vans and rolling out electric vehicle charging points for our customers, we’re really excited about the improvements we’re making across our business, and our transition to electric vehicles.”
In January this year, Tesco became the first UK retailer to add electric heavy freight articulated trucks to its fleet, transporting products emission-free between Cardiff rail terminal and its distribution centre in Magor.
