Tesco has begun using solar-powered refrigeration units in its delivery fleet as part of its drive to cut carbon emissions across its operations.
The supermarket giant has taken delivery of five of the battery and solar-powered Endurance units from British engineering firm Sunswap. They will replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems, helping Tesco reduce emissions generated during food deliveries.
The new triple-temperature trailers will carry chilled, ambient and frozen goods in one delivery run, with the rollout following a successful trial last year in varying weather conditions, including during peak summer temperatures.
“At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050”, said Cliff Smith, the supermarket’s Fleet Engineering Manager.
“Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain, reducing emissions while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled, and ambient deliveries.”
Michael Lowe, CEO of Sunswap, added: “Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for its fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport.
“When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.”
