Farming business Strawson has trialled electric HGVs supplied by Voltloader on a contract to supply fresh produce to Sainsbury’s.
The trial saw Strawson transport temperature-controlled goods from its site near Newark to Sainsbury’s regional distribution centres. Voltloader provided a charging solution for the truck so it could work seven days a week. Strawson also trialled a SunSwap electric refrigeration unit equipped with solar panels on the roof.
Gavin Hodgson, director of agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture at Sainsbury’s, said: “We believe partnership in the food system is key to addressing some of the issues of climate change and are constantly looking for ways to collaborate in order to achieve this and to minimise agricultural disruption. Facilitated by our supplier Strawson, this trial of Voltloader’s electric HGVs to transport our crops is a great example of reducing carbon emissions in our operations and shows what we can achieve through long-term partnerships.”
Compared to diesel powered vehicles completing the same routes, the electric trial returned results indicating a 19-tonne reduction of CO2 emissions.
Alastair Ferguson, commercial director of Strawson, said: “We recognise the need to reduce carbon emissions across every stage of our operations. This trial has shown that electric trucks are not only possible but can be highly effective in reducing our environmental impact without compromising on the quality or timeliness of our deliveries. We are proud to have partnered with Voltloader and Sainsbury’s in this pioneering project.”
Bertie Steggles, head of haulage at Voltloader, said: “This trial is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. Our electric HGVs have demonstrated that zero-emission logistics can be both practical and scalable, in a number of different applications. We look forward to expanding this solution across more routes and supporting Strawson and Sainsbury’s in their sustainability journeys with both trucks and chargers.”
