M&S Expands Fleet with 85 Zero and Low-Emission Vehicles as Part of Net Zero 2040 Commitment

M&S Expands Fleet with 85 Zero and Low-Emission Vehicles as Part of Net Zero 2040 Commitment

(IN BRIEF) Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced the addition of 85 zero and low-emission vehicles to its logistics fleet as part of its Plan A strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2040. This includes five battery-electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) operating in London and the South East, replacing diesel trucks. M&S is also introducing compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles powered by biomethane to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85%. These efforts align with the UK Government’s eFREIGHT 2030 project to decarbonize road freight. M&S aims to have 10% of its fleet powered by zero or low-emission vehicles and continues to innovate through its Plan A roadmap, including green hydrogen trials.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 13-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Marks & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled plans to introduce 85 zero or low-emission vehicles to its supply chain logistics, marking a significant step in its commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040. As part of its Plan A strategy, the retailer aims to transition to low-carbon logistics, adopt innovative technologies, and incorporate cleaner fuels. Five battery-electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will operate between M&S’s Clothing & Home distribution center in Welham Green and various stores across London and the South East, including the Oxford Street and Bluewater locations. The 42-tonne Renault trucks will replace their diesel counterparts, contributing to M&S’s efforts to decarbonize its operations.

This initiative is part of the UK Government’s eFREIGHT 2030 project, which is designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission HGVs and their infrastructure. M&S, a founding member of the project, will use the data and insights gained from these vehicles to further refine its approach to replacing conventional HGVs with cleaner alternatives. This will inform future decisions as the retailer integrates more sustainable transport options.

M&S has also begun receiving 30 new compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for its Clothing & Home division, becoming the first UK retailer to introduce 6×2 CNG trucks. The introduction follows a successful trial with IVECO, which pioneered the 6×2 CNG vehicles. These trucks, powered by biomethane—a renewable fuel derived from waste products such as food scraps, animal manure, and wastewater—offer up to 85% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to diesel vehicles. Additionally, 50 4×2 CNG vehicles have been integrated into M&S’s Food logistics operations as part of its broader food supply chain transformation.

Once these 85 vehicles are fully operational, M&S will have 10% of its transport fleet powered by zero or low-emission solutions. This milestone is part of M&S’s ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions across its operations through its Plan A strategy, which includes investing in innovative projects. Among these is a trial of green hydrogen production using wind and solar power generated on farms, intended to replace fossil fuels.

Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, emphasized the importance of adapting the company’s logistics network to achieve its Net Zero targets: “Reducing carbon emissions from our transport is crucial to our Plan A goals. By collaborating on new vehicle technologies, we’re lowering our environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency across the business. We’re proud to deliver products with care for the planet.”

Lilian Greenwood, the UK Minister for the Future of Roads, praised M&S’s efforts and highlighted the government’s role in supporting zero-emission vehicles: “We’re working with businesses to lead the way in zero-emission transport. M&S’s addition of electric lorries to their fleet is a great example of this, supported by our £200 million investment in large zero-emission trucks. This investment is part of a broader £2.3 billion initiative to support the transition to electric vehicles, boost jobs, attract investment, and position Britain as a clean energy leader.”

Media Contact:

M&S Corporate Press Office:    +44 (0)20 8718 1919
corporate.press@marks-and-spencer.com

SOURCE: Marks & Spencer