M&S introduces 85 zero or lower emission vehicles to its supply chain
Marks & Spencer has added 85 zero or lower emission vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet as it works towards becoming net zero by 2040.
The new vehicles include five zero emission battery electric HGVs which will operate between the retailer’s clothing & home distribution centre in Welham Green, and 30 stores across London and the South East, including Oxford Street and Bluewater.
The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks have been delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme. This aims to decarbonise road freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions heavy goods vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
M&S is one of the founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 project so will gain insight into the performance of battery electric HGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs.
Last autumn, M&S began taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its clothing & home business. This followed a long-term collaborative trial with IVECO, the first manufacturer to offer a 6×2 compressed natural gas vehicle, to test the vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy and green credentials.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The retailer has also recently introduced 50 4×2 compressed natural gas vehicles to its food logistics business Gist as part of its food supply chain transformation. The compressed natural gas lorry cabs are powered by sustainable renewable fuel biomethane.
Once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of M&S’ total transport fleet will be powered by zero or lower-emission solutions.
Julian Bailey, head of group transport at M&S, said: “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.
“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.”
