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M&S ramping up for net zero
On 13 January Marks & Spencer announced the introduction of 85 lower emission vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet.
As part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero by 2040, the retailer has committed to move to low carbon logistics, and increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels.
Five zero-emission battery electric HGVs will operate between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green, and 30 stores across London and the South East, including Oxford Street and Bluewater.
The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks. The vehicles are delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme (ZEHID) which aims to decarbonise road freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions heavy goods vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
Once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of M&S’ total transport fleet will be powered by lower-emission solutions. M&S continues to innovate and invest in projects to reduce carbon emissions across its operations as part of its Plan A roadmap to net zero.
Logistics UK's Deputy Policy Director, Michelle Gardner said: "Marks & Spencer’s continued investment in electric vehicles is welcome news and demonstrates how the logistics sector is committed to decarbonising, but this must be a fair transition that keeps costs down for businesses, public services and households while maintaining resilient supply chains.
“The only way to achieve that is through partnership, with a plan co-developed between businesses and government to get to net zero and phase out fossil fuels.
“In addition, Logistics UK would like to see government backing for a dedicated HGV public charging infrastructure for electric trucks, to make mid and long-haul viable, as well as a dedicated HGV public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.”
As one of the founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, M&S will gain insight into the performance of battery electric HGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs, which will inform future planning decisions while the retailer continues to implement cleaner burn fuels and lower emission vehicles.
From September 2024, M&S also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business, the first retailer to introduce 6x2 CNGs in the UK. This follows a long-term collaborative trial with IVECO - the first manufacturer to offer a 6x2 compressed natural gas vehicle - testing the vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy and green credentials.
The retailer also recently introduced 50 4x2 compressed natural gas vehicles to its food logistics business Gist as part of its food supply chain transformation. The compressed natural gas lorry cabs are powered by biomethane, a sustainable renewable fuel derived from waste products including food, animal manure and waste water, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85% versus a diesel engine.
Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A net zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business.
"By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products, which are sourced and made with care, to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.”
Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, said: “We're working with business to lead the charge towards innovative zero emission vehicles. That’s why it’s fantastic to see M&S add five zero emission electric lorries to their fleet thanks to our £200 million to roll out large zero emission trucks – the biggest investment of this kind in the world.
"This comes on top of our £2.3 billion boost to help industry and consumers switch to electric vehicles, harnessing the transition to net zero by supporting jobs, attracting investment and making Britain a clean energy superpower.”
Marks & Spencer's EV announcement comes after Amazon (140 new EVs) and Royal Mail (2,100) revealed further additions to their own electric vehicle fleets.
Published On: 23/01/2025 13:19:35
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