Sainsbury's launches world's largest electric van fleet

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

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 March. 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.

Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, which owns Smith Electric Vehicles, added: "Sainsbury's was one of the first companies to recognise the benefits our technology brings to urban and suburban delivery fleets. When these additional 50 vehicles are deployed, we believe that Sainsbury's will have the largest electric van fleet in the world."

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 ensure even greater efficiency, the vans use regenerative braking, meaning drivers can recapture the energy used whilst the vehicle is slowing down to help recharge the batteries. This is similar in principle to the KERS system used in some Formula One cars.

Compared with an average vehicle, the engines of electric vehicles have very few moving parts (typically just three or four compared to a diesel engine which has in excess of 1,000). This keeps servicing simple and minimal.

This move follows the introduction of an electric recharge point network at Sainsbury's stores in London earlier this month. The points are situated at ten stores around the city, allowing customers to charge their electric vehicles free of charge, while they shop.

For more information, visit smithelectricvehicles.com