SUPPLY chain specialist Wincanton has unveiled the first of a total 24 new electric-powered trucks scheduled to join its logistics fleet this year.
The move represents a significant milestone as part of the company’s investment in solutions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The multi-million pound project will see Wincanton introduce cutting-edge battery electric trucks to its fleet. The trucks, including those based at the company’s WEB distribution centre at Rockingham near Corby, will hit the nation’s roads this summer.
The new vehicles, supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, are expected to reduce Wincanton’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2,400 tonnes per year.
The project will help the business to lay the foundations for decarbonising its fleet at an even greater scale, the company said.
Charging infrastructure is also being installed at Wincanton’s sites in West London, Portbury in Bristol and near Glasgow.
Wincanton’s managing director, transport, Carl Hanson said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, with collaboration fundamental to achieving our net zero goals.
“By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we are cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers.
“And, with these HGVs marking a major step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain, this important milestone will help us learn and adapt for the future.”
Wincanton is also investing in electric vehicle technology to provide home delivery services for IKEA and the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil to fuel 85% of its logistics vehicle fleet serving Screwfix under its commitment to deliver long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for its customers.
The EV trucks are part of Wincanton’s participation in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia. Both projects are part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
“These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector,” said Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility, at Innovate UK.
Carl added: “Low-emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics but widespread adoption is still years away.
In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlocking greener supply chains hinges on collaboration and optimisation.”
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