Marks & Spencer has today announced the introduction of 85 lower emission vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet, as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040.
Five zero emission battery electric HGVs will also 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 in Kent.
The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks.
Delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, the vehicles are part of the UK Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme (ZEHID), which aims to decarbonise road freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions heavy goods vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
As one of the founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, Marks & Spencer will gain insight into the performance of battery electric HGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs, which “will inform future planning decisions” while the retailer continues to implement cleaner burn fuels and lower emission vehicles.
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, added: “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.”
From September 2024, Mars & Spencer also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business.
