Ocado makes further investment in natural gas technology
Ocado has ordered a further 30 natural gas-powered trucks for its distribution fleet as part of plans to boost its eco-friendly credentials.
While ten have already gone into service, the remaining 20 will follow throughout the year.
The move will double the number of trucks in the online grocer’s HGV fleet that run on gas.
In addition, last month the Ocado become the first UK retailer to self-fund the purchase of an onsite grid-connected gas refuelling station. Designed and built by Gasrec, the facility at Ocado’s Hatfield customer fulfilment centre has supported the company’s initial investment in 29 IVECO Stralis NP tractor units powered by blended biomethane.
Graham Thomas, fleet operations manager at Ocado Group, said: “We are committed to finding environmentally-friendly alternatives to diesel for our transport operation and this latest investment is the next step on that journey. As well as increasing the number of vehicles on the fleet we have also increased our blend of biomethane from renewable sources.”
The majority of the new vehicles will be refuelled at their own site in Hatfield. Meanwhile, 10 will operate from Ocado’s Dordon customer fulfilment centre and use Gasrec’s flagship DIRFT facility near Daventry to refuel.
