Tesco launches UK’s first electrified HGV trucks to cut down on emissions

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Grocery giant Tesco has launched the UK’s first-ever commercially used, fully electrified, heavy-freight articulated trucks as it takes another step towards its net-zero commitments.

Tesco Bicester

Tesco has partnered with logistics firm FSEW to launch two 37-tonne, fully electrified HGV trucks, which will transport food and other products from Wentloog rail terminal outside Cardiff to Tesco’s distribution centre in Magor, Wales.

The retailer said heavy-goods vehicles make up around 16% of the UK’s domestic transport emissions, adding that “addressing this can play a significant role in delivering the UK’s net-zero ambitions”.

It represents a huge leap forward in electrifying delivery vehicles as, while mass-produced electric cars have been in commission for many years, the technology hasn’t existed as a commercially viable solution for electric haulage and distribution until now.

The grocery giant said the two electric HGVs will replace around 65,000 diesel-fuelled road miles with clean green energy, removing 87.4 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year.

Making progress

To power the vehicles, FSEW has installed charging points at its site in South Wales that provide enough energy for 100 miles.

Tesco said that, by demonstrating that electric HGVs could be 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”.

The grocer’s UK and Republic of Ireland boss Jason Tarry 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 vehicle 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.”