M&S Rolls out Five All-Electric HGVs
Marks & Spencer (M&S), a founding member of eFREIGHT 2030, has introduced five zero-emission battery-electric HGVs as part of an 85-strong addition of zero or lower emissions vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet.
The five 42-tonne Renault Truck E-Tech Ts, delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, are part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, aimed at decarbonising road freight transport by accelerating the adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and their charging infrastructure. These new electric trucks will replace equivalent diesel vehicles, operating between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the Southeast.
This fleet expansion, which includes both zero and lower-emission vehicles, marks a significant step in M&S’ Plan A roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040, demonstrating its commitment to adopting cleaner fuels and advanced technologies.
The new fleet of vehicles will be operating between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the Southeast, directly replacing equivalent diesel trucks. This shift is a significant step for M&S towards achieving its Plan A roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040 which is committed to increasing the use of new technologies and cleaner fuels.
Commenting on the announcement, 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.”
As one of the founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, M&S will gain valuable insights into the performance of battery electric HGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs, informing future decision making around the addition of zero & lower emissions vehicles in major supply chains.
Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, said: “We’re working with business to lead the charge towards innovative zero emission vehicles. That’s why it’s fantastic to see M&S add five zero emission electric lorries to their fleet thanks to our £200 million to roll out large zero emission trucks – the biggest investment of this kind in the world. This comes on top of our £2.3 billion boost to help industry and consumers switch to electric vehicles, harnessing the transition to net zero by supporting jobs, attracting investment and making Britain a clean energy superpower.”
Michael Boxwell, Group Chief Executive Officer at Voltempo Limited which leads the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, added: “We are delighted to see M&S incorporating five zero-emission, battery-electric 42-tonne Renault Trucks into its supply chain, including their deployment to iconic shopping destinations such as Oxford Street and Bluewater, as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project. We are delighted to be supporting M&S’s decarbonisation programme, with Voltempo providing charging infrastructure and project support as part of the programme.
“Fleet transitions require time and planning, and it’s inspiring to see innovative companies like M&S implementing their plans to support their sustainability goals, taking significant positive action towards net zero. Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles play a key role in decarbonisation, and it is good to see M&S take a leading position within the sector.”
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