Tesco is bridging the gap to net zero
A joint initiative between Tesco and Marshall Fleet Solutions puts 100% solar-powered refrigerated units on the road
Tesco has introduced HGV trailers with refrigeration units powered by solar panels rather than using traditional diesel engine technology.
The first 13.6-meter refrigerated trailer based at Tesco’s Peterborough Distribution Centre has already hit the road and is delivering stock to stores across the East of England, with three more destined for Peterborough later this year.
The joint initiative with Marshall Fleet Solutions will see each trailer save circa 2,000 liters of diesel per year and over 5 tons of carbon per year.
Each trailer roof is fitted with 12 lightweight Titan solar panels that store the electrical energy in long-life lightweight lithium batteries to provide power to the refrigeration unit.
Tesco has committed to becoming net zero in its own operations by 2035, and in December last year, it began trialing electric heavy freight articulated trucks to deliver goods to its distribution center in Magor, Wales. And last year, in Glasgow, Tesco launched a new fleet of home delivery vans powered by clean, green energy.
Tesco Fleet Engineering Manager Cliff Smith said: “Our distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and will play an important role in our efforts to become net zero by 2035.
With our electric HGVs, electric home delivery vans, and now solar-powered refrigeration units, Tesco is leading the way in electric haulage innovation, helping to tackle road transport emissions.”
MFS Managing Director, Mark Howell, said: “With a significant trailer fleet, the successful use of solar-powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco distribution operation cannot be underestimated in terms of its significantly positive environmental impact.
Both Tesco and MFS share similar sustainability and carbon reduction plans. As a result of MFS’s long association with Tesco as approved suppliers of Thermo King transport refrigeration systems, this initiative builds on the strength of this relationship while helping to deliver on Tesco’s global sustainability goals.”
