AO adds 10 new CNG-powered vehicles to fleet
Online electronics retailer, AO has taken delivery of 10 new CNG-powered tractor units from Fraikin, as it looks to reduce its carbon footprint and improve sustainability across its commercial vehicle fleet.
Signed to a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement, the new Iveco S-Way NP 4×2 tractor units are the first in AO’s 129-strong trunking fleet to operate on natural gas.
The vehicles operate on compressed biomethane and replace older, diesel-powered trucks. Utilising its industry expertise, Fraikin was able to highlight how the new IVECO units could provide a cost-effective solution with the right environmental credentials.
Supplied in AO’s striking green vinyl livery and with both single double deck trailers, the new vehicles will carry large appliances between the company’s depots in Crewe and North London, clocking up around 125,000 miles per year.
Over the last two years, the retailer has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80 per cent to 1.5 million sq ft and rapidly grown its distribution network to over 25 depots across the UK.
In total, AO currently operates more than 1,000 commercial vehicles, including 3.5-tonne ultra-light weight home delivery vans supplied on contract hire by Fraikin.
David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “At AO Logistics, we are always looking at ways to improve our operation in terms of both sustainability and fuel efficiency – trialling these new Iveco tractor units is a fantastic step towards reducing our impact on the environment.”
The new S-Way NP features some of the most mature gas driveline technology available on the market, enabling operators to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent when running on biomethane.
The new truck design features improved aerodynamics to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. With large, 1,052-litre fuel tanks, the S-Way NPs will be more than capable of handling their intended operational trunking routes, offering a range of up to 380 miles on a full tank.
If the new trucks prove to be a success, AO will look to replace more diesel-powered assets.