Electric vans on the menu at Woods Foodservice

The provider of sustainable CV hire and fleet management solutions was appointed by Woods, a family-owned business that has supplied top-end hospitality providers and restaurateurs for over 40 years, as part of its sustainability strategy.

The electric Fords are equipped with solar panels on the roof, reducing the energy required both for charging and also while operating freezers, and they will all operate within London’s ULEZ.

Wayne Gregory, operations manager at Woods Foodservice, said: “Since receiving our new bespoke multi-temperature van design, we’ve seen a significant boost in efficiency.

“Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient, and fresh produce all in one vehicle has streamlined our operations.

“The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans - cutting our diesel fuel usage by 35%.

“The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van’s range.”

Michelle Miles, head of Progreen, said: “It’s fantastic to see these vehicles on the road, the final stage of a process that began with a telematics trial to provide data on the suitability of transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles.

“This is the ideal solution for Woods Foodservice and we’re thrilled to support them in their mission to become the UK’s leading net zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.”