M&S adds 10 lower-emission electric trucks to logistics fleet, including first UK DAF with inverter-driven refrigeration

ww.fashionnetwork.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Marks & Spencer has added 10 new lower-emission electric trucks to its Fashion, Home & Beauty and Food vehicle fleet, including a first-of-its-kind electric truck in the UK. The vehicles feature an integrated inverter that draws power from the main battery to run the trailer's refrigeration unit, eliminating the need for diesel-powered cooling on chilled journeys. This is the first deployment of this technology on a DAF truck in the UK. The new vehicles join eight existing zero-tailpipe emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric rigids. Five are already in service, with five more entering operations this year. The move is part of M&S's Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040, which includes a commitment to low-carbon logistics, new technologies, and cleaner fuels. The retailer is working with logistics partner Gist and truck maker DAF to trial the technology and reduce carbon emissions from transport.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Good to see a major retailer actually deploying electric trucks rather than just announcing targets. The inverter for refrigeration is a nice detail, diesel cooling is often overlooked.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. But 10 trucks is a drop in the bucket for M&S's full fleet. Would like to know what share of their logistics this covers and what the payback period looks like.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Range and charging infrastructure are the real bottlenecks for HGVs. DAF trucks are typically used for regional distribution, so this might work for shorter routes. Curious if they are installing depot chargers or relying on public.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions Gist as a partner, which handles M&S logistics. Likely they are managing charging at distribution centers. Still, scaling this beyond a handful of trucks will need grid upgrades.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

UK has the ZEV mandate for HGVs coming into force, so retailers like M&S are probably front-running compliance. The inverter tech is interesting but the real story is whether the grid can handle mass fleet electrification.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Retrofit potential matters too. If the inverter can be added to existing electric trucks, that extends the life and cuts waste. Otherwise it is just new truck purchases with a green label.