Starting off the new year with clean green energy, Tesco partners with FSEW to launch the “first” commercial electric articulated HGVs in the UK, which will replace about 65,000 diesel-fueled road miles and reduce 87.4 tonnes of CO2e each year.
HGVs account for approximately 16% of domestic transport emissions in the UK and until now there hasn’t been a commercially viable solution for electric HGV transportation. By demonstrating commercial viability, electric haulage and distribution can help deliver on the UK’s net-zero ambitions, as well as encourage wider investment in technology and innovation.
The two new 37-tonne DAF electric HGVs will also help Tesco’s ambitions to reach net-zero emissions by 2035, as well as FSEW’s efforts to replace more than 40 diesel vehicles with low-carbon alternatives and transition to zero-emissions transport operations by 2025.
This news comes after Tesco saves 7.3 million road miles with a new refrigerated rail freight service at the end of last year.
“Tesco’s distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and plays an important role in our efforts to become net zero in our own operations by 2035. We’ve already made progress by starting our switch to electric home delivery vans and rolling out electric vehicles charging points for our customers.” said Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO.
He added: “I’m excited that Tesco can also lead the way in electric haulage innovation, helping to tackle this last source of road transport emissions with the support of FSEW.”
Geoff Tomlinson, FSEW Managing Director commented: “This is a landmark day for us here at FSEW, representing a major step forward in our commitment to providing zero emissions transport freight services.”
“Together we are working to create a cleaner and greener logistics experience. This is transformational for the UK’s commercial and retail industries and is just the start of our work to supply electric heavy freight vehicles to customers such as Tesco.”
“Setting the industry standard is important to us which is why we also have plans underway to create an eFreight hub in Cardiff which will include a low carbon fuel facility for the use of all freight providers and commercial and municipal operators and are also launching this month two further trucks running on 100% renewable biomethane fuel for freight transport use.”
