The Tesco home delivery network now boasts 2,000 electric vans, with the UK’s largest retailer having doubled its electric vehicle (EV) numbers in the last 12 months.
The landmark EV arrived at the Tesco Hemsworth superstore in West Yorkshire, and more than 30% of the Tesco home delivery network fleet is now powered by electricity.
Tesco’s aim is to have a fully electric home delivery fleet in the UK by the end of 2030, and the EV focus is part of the retailer’s continued investment in reducing carbon emissions across its operations. The target is net zero carbon emissions across its own operations by 2035.
Since introducing its first electric home delivery van in Greater London in 2020, Tesco’s growing fleet of electric vehicles has replaced millions of diesel delivery miles and helped reduce emissions.
By transitioning its entire UK home delivery fleet to electric power, Tesco estimates the impact would be equivalent to taking around 22,000 cars off the road each year.
Nick Potter, transport distribution director at Tesco, commented: “The arrival of our 2,000th electric home delivery van at Hemsworth is another important milestone in our journey towards a fully electric home delivery fleet across the UK by 2030.
“Every new electric van we introduce helps us reduce emissions, improve local air quality and move closer to our goal of achieving net zero in our own operations by 2035. We’re proud to be leading the way in the transition to low emissions home delivery for our customers.”
1,000 and counting: Tesco working towards 100% EV fleet by 2030
It is also a year since Tesco announced it was rolling out 42 low-carbon trucks at its Livingston distribution centre. The vehicles are powered by biomethane produced from animal and food waste. The grocer has also introduced nine trailers with refrigeration units powered by solar panels rather than using traditional diesel engine technology.
[image credit: Tesco]
