Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced the introduction of 85 diesel alternative HGVs (heavy goods vehicles) to its fleet, as part of its supply chain decarbonisation plans.
Five battery electric HGVs will operate between M&S’s clothing & home distribution centre in Welham Green, and 30 stores across London and the south-east, including its Oxford Street and Bluewater flagships.
From September, the retailer will also up its diesel alternative HGV game when it starts taking delivery of 30 new 6×2 (six wheel ends, two powered) vehicles that run on compressed natural gas (CNG) for its clothing & home business. M&S also recently introduced 50 4×2 CNG vehicles to its food logistics business.
The CNG lorry cabs are powered by biomethane, derived from waste products including food, animal manure, and waste water. M&S said it is the first retailer to introduce 6×2 CNGs in the UK, which follows a long-term collaboration with manufacturer Iveco.
Meanwhile, the five 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks and they are delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, which is part of the UK government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme targeting road freight decarbonisation.
The retailer noted that once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of its total transport fleet will be powered by “zero or lower-emission solutions”.
Julian Bailey, head of group transport at M&S, commented: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A net zero ambitions.
“We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business.”
He added: “By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products, which are sourced and made with care, to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.”
Lilian Greenwood, future of roads minister, said the government is working with businesses “to lead the charge towards innovative zero emission vehicles”, adding the electric truck launch at M&S is supported by the administration’s £200 million investment in diesel alternative HGVs.
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[image credit: M&S]
