Gregory Distribution, in partnership with customer Brewdog, is trialling the UK’s first 19-tonne rigid Electra e-Cargo Urban Refrigeration Vehicle.
The zero-tailpipe-emission truck is based on an Iveco Eurocargo chassis and supplied by Blackburn-based tech firm NRG Fleet Services, which this year scooped the Motor Transport Innovation Award.
A test model of the electric truck is currently being deployed in different urban delivery scenarios across Gregory’s operation.
This will be followed by a permanent Electra e-Cargo joining the fleet in Spring 2021 to be used making zero-emission, quiet deliveries to Brewdog’s central London bars by Gregory division ARR Craib Transport.
Electric vehicles form part of Gregory’s five-year sustainability strategy, which has already seen the introduction of electric pool cars.
In addition, the business has invested in seven LNG-powered Volvo FH460s, with a further 13 on order for delivery in the New Year.
It is also installing an in-depot LNG refuelling site at its Cullumpton, Exeter depot.
HVO is another clean fuel being explored by the group as an option to reduce fleet emissions.
To push forward with its sustainability drive, Gregory has set itself a goal of making sure 15% of new vehicles joining its 1,000-strong fleet next year will be alternative fuels.
Paul Jefferson, group legal, risk and sustainability director, told MT that the transition towards cleaner vehicle movements was rapidly gaining momentum across industry: “We’ve seen a big shift in terms of advancing technology and customer expectations to drive forward the sustainability agenda,” he said.
However Jefferson pointed out that key to seeing a mainstream acceleration of new technologies would require public refuelling infrastructure to first “catch-up”.
Speaking of the partnership with customer Brewdog, itself already a carbon-neutral company, Jefferson added: “We recognise that our day-to-day operations impact both directly and indirectly on the environment.
"The company is committed to significantly reducing its impact on the planet and we are proud to partner with Brewdog on this important initiative with the first all-electric refrigerated vehicle of this size in the UK.”
