M&S opts for variation with new lower emission HGVs

As part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040, the retailer has committed to move to low carbon logistics, increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels. 

Five zero emission battery electric HGVs will operate between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green, and 30 stores across London and the South East, including Oxford Street and Bluewater. The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks. The vehicles are delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme (ZEHID).

From September, M&S also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business, the first retailer to introduce 6x2 CNGs in the UK. This follows a long-term collaborative trial with IVECO.

The retailer also recently introduced 50 4x2 compressed natural gas vehicles to its Food logistics business Gist. The compressed natural gas lorry cabs are powered by biomethane.

Once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of M&S’ total transport fleet will be powered by zero or lower-emission solutions. 

M&S head of group transport Julian Bailey, says: “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.”