CEVA Logistics trials London electric truck and signs up to Tevva 'electrify' initiative

CEVA Logistics is using its Urban Distribution Hub at Dartford, Kent to undertake an electric vehicle trial for lorries delivering into central London.

It has also become the first partner in Tevva’s 'electrify' initiative, which aims to support companies to research electric vehicle technology for the supply chain.

Using real-world operational data, it aims to offer practical solutions for companies looking to use electric vehicles in their fleets.

CEVA said the introduction of electric trucks into its fleet is a key part of is ongoing commitment to reducing emissions in the supply chain.

The partnership with Tevva will see it undertake 3-6-month trials of the equipment to research which can deliver the best results.

The initiative aims to find ways to reduce the impact of commercial vehicles in air, noise and congestion.

Two 12-tonne vehicles will operate from Dartford to provide daily, central London deliveries to Guys & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

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One of the vehicles has a chill/refrigeration unit and the other is a standard layout truck.

The telematics-based data produced by the trial aims to enable both CEVA Logistics and Tevva to accurately understand how the vehicles can be used in the future to meet customer demands.

The research generated by the trial and the Tevva electrify initiative as a whole will be used to shape the next steps around the introduction of more electric vehicles and of what type into the company's fleet.

The trial also supports the Transport for London (TfL) FreightLab initiative, which aims to tackle congestion and keep goods moving in London and in which CEVA Logistics is a launch partner.

Commented Mathieu Friedberg, CEVA Logistics chief executive: "With this ambitious trial and partnership, CEVA Logistics contributes to the CMA CGM Group’s leadership in the energy transition of the industry, with a strategy combining operational performance and environmental excellence. We look forward to other like-minded companies joining us on the path to environmental excellence.”