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Leading UK supply chain solutions provider Wincanton is advancing its commitment to environmental sustainability with the introduction of 24 new electric-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to its logistics fleet this year. This initiative represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Key Highlights:
- Wincanton is integrating 24 new battery electric trucks into its UK fleet.
- The investment supports the company’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
- These new HGVs are projected to cut CO2 emissions by 2,400 tonnes annually.
- Charging infrastructure is being deployed at key Wincanton sites.
- The initiative is part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) program.
The multimillion-pound project will see Wincanton deploy advanced battery electric trucks, supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks, and Renault Trucks. These vehicles, capable of operating at more than 40 tonnes, are scheduled to be on UK roads this summer. The introduction of these electric HGVs is expected to significantly reduce Wincanton’s environmental footprint, contributing to the broader goal of decarbonizing its extensive fleet and providing crucial insights for future sustainable transitions.
To facilitate the seamless integration of these electric vehicles, Wincanton is implementing depot-based charging infrastructure across several key operational sites. These include locations in Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire. This essential infrastructure, developed in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve, is crucial for supporting the expansion of Wincanton’s growing green fleet and enabling sustainable logistics operations.
This move aligns with Wincanton’s dedication to providing long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for its clientele. This commitment is already evident in its investment in electric vehicle technology for IKEA home deliveries and the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel 85% of its logistics vehicle fleet serving Screwfix. Furthermore, this initiative is part of Wincanton’s involvement in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia. Both projects fall under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) program, which is supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. These collaborations will allow Wincanton to gather valuable data to enhance operational efficiencies and further reduce carbon emissions.
Carl Hanson, Managing Director, Transport, at Wincanton, emphasized the centrality of sustainability to the company’s operations. “By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we’re cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers,” Hanson stated, highlighting the HGVs as a major step in their sustainable supply chain commitment. He also noted that while widespread adoption of low-emission vehicles is still developing, businesses can act now using current technology to improve efficiency and reduce emissions through collaboration and optimization.
Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility at Innovate UK, commended Wincanton’s deployment of the 24 electric HGVs. “These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector,” Buckley remarked, underscoring Innovate UK’s support for advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Wincanton’s sustainability efforts also include investments in digital transport solutions like its EyeQ platform. This technology enables businesses to use data to improve supply chain visibility, boost efficiency, and cut emissions. The EyeQ platform can reduce carbon emissions by up to 10% for the Group’s customers by optimizing fleet performance. In Fiscal Year 2024, Wincanton reported an 18% reduction in its scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, significantly ahead of its targets. This achievement was partly due to deploying alternative fuels, increasing electric vehicle use, and optimizing its fleet through EyeQ.
About Wincanton:
Wincanton is a prominent British supply chain solutions company, providing critical services such as storage, handling, distribution, and fleet management across various sectors. In February 2024, Wincanton agreed to an acquisition by GXO Logistics Inc., which was completed on April 29, 2024. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently reviewing the merger, during which Wincanton and GXO will continue to operate independently.
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