Supply chain logistics and warehousing company Wincanton has added 24 new electric-powered trucks to its fleet that will help it develop its understanding of how alternative fuels work in road haulage, writes Peter Brown.
The multimillion-pound project will see Wincanton put its new 4×2 electric tractor units from DAF, Renault and Volvo on the road this summer, which will operate at 42 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
Wincanton said its CO2 emissions will reduce by 2,400 tonnes per year using these new electric trucks compared to diesel equivalents.
Carl Hanson is the managing director for transport at Wincanton. He said to support the new trucks Wincanton is rolling out depot-based its charging infrastructure across key sites. This includes its Gateway Hub near Glasgow as well as Greenford in West London, Portbury and The WEB in Northamptonshire.
This investment is 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 (ZEHID) programme, supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
“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 said
“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.”
