Tesco has taken a significant step forward by introducing its 500th electric delivery van, marking a crucial milestone in its sustainability efforts.
- The Sheffield Extra store in Yorkshire is the first to operate a fully electric fleet, enhancing local air quality.
- Since 2020, Tesco’s electric vans have covered 15 million miles, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- The company aims for a zero-emission delivery fleet by 2030, aligning with its broader carbon neutrality target by 2035.
- Government support has facilitated Tesco’s transition, with over 40,000 electric vehicles benefitting from incentives.
Tesco has set a new standard for sustainable practices in the retail sector with the deployment of its 500th electric home delivery van. This development is part of Tesco’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions across all operations by 2035, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The recent addition takes place at the Sheffield Extra store, establishing it as the first in Yorkshire to boast a completely electric delivery fleet. This fleet comprises 14 vans, effectively serving 2,500 deliveries each week.
Since the introduction of electric vehicles in 2020 in Greater London, Tesco has successfully substituted 15 million diesel miles with electric miles, averting approximately 7,500 tonnes of carbon emissions. This initiative not only advances Tesco’s sustainability goals but also contributes to improved air quality in urban regions, fulfilling a crucial environmental objective.
Currently, over 30 Tesco locations across the United Kingdom have integrated fully electric home delivery vans into their operations. Such endeavors underline the importance of adopting clean energy solutions in retail logistics and reflect the industry’s shift towards more eco-friendly practices. Notably, Tesco’s overall home delivery fleet consists of 5,500 vans, reaching 150,000 customers daily. The company’s pioneering introduction of a zero-emission electric lorry last year further exemplifies its leadership in sustainable transportation, replacing an additional 30,000 diesel-fueled miles annually with electric energy.
In alignment with its strategic vision, Tesco has pledged to operate a fully electric home delivery fleet by 2030. This transition is expected to be equivalent to removing 22,000 cars from the road each year. This forward-thinking approach is indicative of the company’s dedication to significantly reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing environmental quality for the communities it serves.
The UK government has played a supporting role in this transition by backing over 40,000 electric vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) through the Plug-in Van Grant. This support has been pivotal for businesses and individuals aiming to decarbonize their transportation options. Moreover, earlier this year, Tesco’s Kirkwall superstore in Scotland became the 600th UK store to install electric vehicle charging points, further facilitating the adoption of electric mobility.
Tesco’s ongoing electrification of its delivery fleet underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in shaping a cleaner future.
