Sainsbury’s has unveiled its first store that will deliver groceries to customers using a fully electric delivery fleet.
Launching at the Big 4 grocer’s Nine Elms London superstore, the vans will be able to transport goods with zero emissions.
The site makes more than 2,000 deliveries on average each week, covering 1,760 miles and as a result, the new vans will help to save 57 tonnes of carbon annually.
The 12-van fleet’s vehicle and fridge units will be powered by electricity and will not emit carbon emissions, dust, dirt, soot or smoke, contributing to a reduction in air pollution in the local area.
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Being electric, the new vans will also operate more quietly and help to reduce noise pollution around the 145,000 housholds in the Nine Elms delivery zone.
Sainsbury’s director of property and procurement, Patrick Dunne said: “We’re always looking at how we can use the latest technology to best serve our customers, whilst also doing the right thing for the planet.
“We’re thrilled to have launched a fully electric fleet in our Nine Elms superstore and we hope our customers will be delighted to learn that their groceries are being delivered with zero emissions, helping to reduce the environmental impact of their online shopping.”
This change comes as part of Sainsbury’s transition to operate a fully electric fleet in all its stores by 2035 in line with its decarbonisation goals.