Lidl launches new EV and HVO vehicles into Irish fleet
Lidl has today started the rollout of its first electrical truck and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) heavy goods vehicle (HGV) into its logistics fleet.
The pilot scheme will see the sustainably powered vehicles join Lidl’s logistic fleet at its Newbridge Regional Distribution Centre.
It marks the start of the retailer’s transition from fossil fuel commercial vehicles to more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Lidl also said it furthers its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2025, alongside the ongoing journey to a 46% reduction in its operational emissions by 2030.
This move is a first in the Irish food retail industry in conjunction with refrigerated delivery suppliers Zellwood.
The introduction of the new trucks is the initial step to a larger rollout across Lidl’s logistics fleet that deliver to its four distribution centres and over 200 Lidl stores throughout the island of Ireland, on a daily basis.
Lidl Ireland’ss logistic fleet covered over 16.8 million kilometres last year – equivalent to 21 return trips to the moon.
It said the HVO vehicle will reduce emissions by 90% per trip by using 100% renewable fuel, which is produced by the hydrotreatment of vegetable oil that create a fuel product with the same chemical structure as diesel.
Robert Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, said the company was delighted to be the first retailer in Ireland to incorporate positive change by use of these environmentally friendly haulage trucks into its logistics fleet.
“Not only does it accelerate our journey to cleaner roads, but in turn with the soaring cost of fossil fuels like diesel it will keep prices down for our customers. We are looking forward to the journey ahead to scale up adaption across our entire fleet aligning to our sustainable environmental commitments and goals,” Mr Ryan added.
Article Source – Lidl launches new EV and HVO vehicles into Irish fleet – RTE
