
Retailer Marks & Spencer will add five new Renault eHGVs to its clothing and home fleet. The company is also in the process of adding 30 new Iveco compressed natural gas (CNG) 6x2 trucks and 50 4x2 CNG Ivecos to its fleet. The introduction of these 85 vehicles will contribute to M&S’ zero and low-emission fleet. Once the new trucks are deployed, close to 10% of the fleet will feature zero or low-emission powertrains.
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.”
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 from this will be used to inform M&S’ future fleet decarbonisation strategy.
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.”