AO makes £2 million investment into its delivery fleet
Online electricals retailer AO is transitioning its fleet of tractor units from diesel to more environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG).
The retailer is investing £2 million in the project as it works towards its target of having 90% of its vehicles running on CNG by 2030.
AO acquired 10 CNG tractor units in 2022 and has now brought 10 more into its fleet. The move will enable a reduction of up to 85% in CO2 emissions.
To couple with the tractor units, AO has also acquired 20 longer moving deck double deck semi-trailers (LSTs) from Tiger Trailers.
The LSTs are 2.05 metres longer than the standard trailers used by AO, allowing for a 10% increase in capacity, as appliances can be double stacked on both lower and upper decks, as well as loaded four products wide if desired.
David Ashwell, group logistics director at AO, said: “We are proud to be continuing our move to a more sustainable future that will hopefully see 90% of our fleet running on CNG by 2030.
“These tractor units and the new LSTs allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on costs. Crucially it significantly increases our capacity, which enables us to deliver even better service to our customers.”
Featuring AO’s green vinyl livery, the LSTs will carry large appliances between the company’s warehouse in Crewe and its delivery out bases across the UK.
Last month, AO announced that its adjusted pre-tax profit had surged by 186% to £34.3 million in the year to 31 March.
