12/23/09

Sainsbury's To Launch Largest Fleet of Electric Vans


Smith Edison for Sainsbury's Online


SAINSBURY'S TO LAUNCH WORLD'S LARGEST FLEET OF ELECTRIC VANS

Smith Edison for Sainsbury's Online Sainsbury's has announced it is to purchase 50 electric vans from Smith Electric Vehicles, for its online delivery service. When added to the existing fleet of 20, the supermarket will have the largest fleet of electric vans in the world.

The vans will be deployed in the London area, meaning 60 per cent of central Londoners will have their groceries delivered in one of these environmentally responsible vehicles.

Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury's commercial director, said: "We are absolutely committed to using zero emissions vehicles where possible as they help keep inner city air clean. Also, the electricity used to power them generates around 50 per cent less CO2 than diesel vans.

"This means that the addition of the new vans will reduce our road transport emissions by around 155 tonnes of CO2 each year."

The 3.5 tonne vans will be based at ten of Sainsbury's London stores and are due to hit the road from September. The vans have been modified to meet Sainsbury's specific requirements for its urban online deliveries. Each vehicle is restricted to 40mph and can comfortably achieve the required range of 60 miles per day. The vans are also fitted with a fast charging system.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I am determined to put London at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution as they become a mainstream choice.

"This is cracking news from Sainsbury's which will help deliver to Londoners not only their groceries, but all the benefits of going electric such as cleaner air and fewer carbon emissions. It shows that a commitment to this technology, even in leaner times, is good for businesses and great for our environment."

To see more information for Europe and the rest of the planet, go to Smith Electric Vehicles website at www.smithelectricvehicles.com.

No comments: