Tesco has begun using solar-powered refrigeration units in its delivery fleet, marking a major step forward in its plan to cut carbon emissions across its operations.

The UK’s largest retailer is incorporating five battery- and solar-powered Endurance units from British engineering firm Sunswap, to be used at its Peterborough depot.

The new units aim to replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems, helping Tesco reduce emissions generated during food deliveries, even when vehicles are stationary.

The supermarket chain’s new triple-temperature trailers will carry chilled, ambient and frozen goods in one delivery run, with the rollout following a successful trial last year in varying weather conditions, including during peak summer temperatures.

“At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050″, said Tesco fleet engineering manager Cliff Smith.

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“Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain – reducing emissions – while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled, and ambient deliveries.”

The Endurance units, which are designed and manufactured by Sunswap in Leatherhead, use solar panels mounted on trailer roofs and built-in modular batteries to power chilled and frozen deliveries, without the need for diesel.

Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe added: “Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for its fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport.

“When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.”

The move supports Tesco’s wider strategy to reduce supply chain emissions. In 2022, the grocery giant became the first UK supermarket to use battery-powered delivery lorries in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.