M&S has bolstered its supply chain logistics fleet with 85 lower-emission vehicles, advancing its Plan A commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
Among the new additions are five zero-emission battery-electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which will service routes between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the South East, including flagship locations such as Oxford Street and Bluewater in Kent.
The 42-tonne Renault trucks, which will replace equivalent diesel-powered models, are part of the UK government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.
Delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 initiative, the programme aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission freight solutions and the necessary charging infrastructure to decarbonise road transport.
As a founding member of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, M&S will gather key insights into the operational performance of battery-electric HGVs. These findings will shape how the retailer “will inform future planning decisions” as it continues to transition to cleaner-burning fuels and lower-emission vehicles.
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The retailer‘s head of group transport Julian Bailey 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.”
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood 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, M&S also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business.
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