Marks & Spencer is adding five new Renault eHGVs to its clothing and home fleet. Based out of the retailer’s distribution centre in Welham Green, the trucks will deliver to 30 stores in London and the South East.
Replacing equivalent diesel trucks, the new electric trucks are entering operation as part of the eFreight 2030 consortium in the zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme (ZEHID).
Under the project, performance of the eHGVS will be monitored to explore where battery electric trucks could replace diesel-powered vehicles. Results will be used to inform M&S’ future fleet decarbonisation strategy. The vehicles are also part of the retailer’s Plan A roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2040 which includes switching to low carbon transport solutions and cleaner fuels.
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.”
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.”
