Supply chain firm Wincanton has announced the first arrivals of 24 new electric-powered trucks joining its logistics fleet this year.
The company said the move represents a “significant milestone”, as part of its investment in the necessary solutions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The new vehicles are supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, which will be able to operate at more than 40 tonnes, and are expected to reduce Wincanton’s CO2 emissions by 2,400 tonnes per year.
It marks the beginning of the firm’s plans to decarbonise its fleet at an “even greater scale”, with the first vehicles “gaining valuable insights that will support this transition”, it said.
To support the new trucks, Wincanton is rolling out depot-based charging infrastructure across key sites, including Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire.
This infrastructure, designed and built in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve aims to facilitate the expansion of Wincanton’s electrified fleet.
The introduction of the new electric trucks also aligns with Wincanton’s commitment to deliver long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for its customers. This includes investment in electric vehicle technology to provide home delivery services for IKEA and the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel 85% of its logistics vehicle fleet serving Screwfix.
This test and learn initiative is part of Wincanton’s participation in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia, within the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
Carl Hanson, Managing Director, Transport, at Wincanton, 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’re 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. We can’t wait to see the new trucks in action.”
He 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.”
Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility, at Innovate UK commented:
“It’s great to see Wincanton take delivery of 24 electric HGVs. We look forward to the real-world demonstrations and collaboration as part of Project Electric Freightway eFREIGHT 2030, under the wider ZEHID programme, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector.
“Innovate UK is proud to support this pioneering effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
The news comes as Transport + Energy gears up for its first Fleet Electrification Forum, where there will be a specifically be a conversation about logistics and the decarbonisation of the sector. Find out more about the event and speakers here.
Image courtesy of Wincanton
