Tesco deploys UK’s first commercial electric heavy freight trucks

The HGVs could play a key role in accelerating the haulage industry’s transition to net zero transport in the next few years.

From January, two 37-tonne electric heavy freight articulated trucks will transport products between Cardiff and Magor without the production of emissions.

Tesco’s new service, in partnership with logistics and international freight forwarding company, FSEW, is a first for UK haulage and targets emissions from heavy goods vehicles, which have so far been difficult to address.

Heavy goods vehicles make up around 16 percent of the UK’s domestic transport emissions and addressing this can play a significant role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Despite significant advances in battery technology and charging infrastructure for smaller vehicles, there hasn’t been a commercially viable solution for electric haulage and distribution until now.

These first two lorries will replace around 65,000 diesel-fuelled road miles with clean green energy, removing 87.4 tonnes of CO2e per year.

To power the new service FSEW has installed charging points at its site in South Wales that provide enough energy to power these large vehicles for 100 miles before needing to charge again.

By demonstrating that electric HGV transportation is commercially viable, this service will contribute to encouraging wider investment in technology and innovation that will support the haulage sector’s efforts to reduce emissions and air pollution.

It will also contribute to Tesco’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions in its operations by 2035, and FSEW’s work to replace more than 40 diesel vehicles with low-carbon alternatives and switch to fleet-wide zero-emissions transport operations by 2025.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO said: “Tesco’s distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and plays an important role in our efforts to become net zero in our own operations by 2035.”

“We’ve already made progress by starting our switch to electric home delivery vans and rolling out electric vehicles charging points for our customers.”

“I’m excited that Tesco can also lead the way in electric haulage innovation, helping to tackle this last source of road transport emissions with the support of FSEW.”

Geoff Tomlinson, FSEW Managing Director said: “This is a landmark day for us here at FSEW, representing a major step forward in our commitment to providing zero emissions transport freight services. Together we are working to create a cleaner and greener logistics experience.”

Photograph: Tesco