BWG Foods has announced a significant development in its transition to a low-carbon distribution operation through the launch of Ireland’s first electric heavy goods vehicle (HGV) in the 20-tonne category.
This move represents a €400,000 investment as part of a pioneering programme to test innovative low-carbon technologies.
The 20-tonne Volvo electric truck, which has capacity for up to 33 pallet spaces, is powered by four 240 kWh batteries, providing a range of up to 250 kilometres.
Speaking about the launch of the new vehicle, Simon Marriott, chief operations officer at BWG Foods, said, “This is another very significant moment in our transition away from fossil fuels, in favour of cleaner, more sustainable fuel sources, and we are deeply committed to continuing our journey by pioneering the newest breakthrough technologies across our entire supply chain.
“We already have plans to build on this momentum, with the launch of Ireland’s first electric tractor unit this spring, in further collaboration with our partners in Translink Express and Volvo, and it is our hope that these steps will help provide confidence to our peers across the wider business community that these solutions are viable and worthy investments.”
Owners And Operators
BWG Foods, owner and operator of the Spar, Eurospar, Londis, Mace and XL brands, has allocated the new vehicle to undertake inter-depot delivery operations, in addition to nationwide store deliveries, using fast charging to increase daily range.
BWG Foods expects the new electric addition to its expansive low-carbon delivery fleet to deliver approximately 80 tonnes of CO2 savings annually, when compared to conventional diesel-powered trucks, with the average BWG delivery truck covering 100,000 kilometres per year.
This milestone development brings BWG’s low-carbon delivery fleet to 32 HGV vehicles, combining biogas, compressed natural gas and electricity, reinforcing the group’s status as having Ireland’s most sustainable delivery fleet.
Cleaner And Quieter Alternative
Commenting on the milestone, Ciarán Cuffe, a member of the European Parliament, said, “This new vehicle – the first of many electric HGVs that we will see on Irish roads in the coming years – provides a cleaner and quieter alternative and will be supported by a new major infrastructure plan that will look to provide significantly increased access to nationwide charging points over the coming years.
“We are also working on new legislation at the EU level that could see a phase-out date for new fossil fuel trucks adopted in the coming years, as we have already done for cars and vans. Europe is going electric, and early investors will lead the way to a more sustainable future.”
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
