Tesco UK rolls out first 18 tonne fully electric truck

Supermarket giant Tesco is rolling out its first 18 tonne 100 per cent electric truck, a Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide with Solomon Commercials refrigeration body.

The new zero-emission refrigerated electric truck is now delivering from Tesco’s Dagenham distribution centre to more than 400 stores in Greater London, with further electric vehicles planned to enter service in the coming months.

Fully electric, the E-Tech D Wide is eligible to operate in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charge Zone without incurring charges, while its zero tailpipe emissions in use and low traffic noise make it ideal for Tesco’s urban deliveries.

Tesco’s E-Tech D Wide vehicle features Carrier TRS Syberia 11 refrigeration equipment with power converter and is powered directly from the vehicle batteries via Renault Trucks’ 600v TVJB Fridge power supply unit. The vehicle has multi temperature zones, allowing the truck to move stock with differing temperature needs.

Carlos Rodrigues, managing director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted that Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has chosen to partner with Renault Trucks on its journey to net zero and selected the E-Tech D-Wide for its first fully electric model to move refrigerated goods more quietly and with zero emissions across the Greater London area.”