Tesco launches solar-powered chilled delivery fleet

Tesco has begun introducing solar-powered refrigeration units to its delivery fleet as part of its efforts to cut carbon emissions across its operations.

The UK’s largest grocer is incorporating five battery- and solar-powered endurance units from British engineering firm Sunswap to its Peterborough depot fleet.

The new units replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems, allowing the retailer to reduce emissions generated during food deliveries and even when the vehicles are stationary.

Tesco’s new triple-temperature trailers will be able to carry chilled, ambient and frozen goods in one delivery run. The rollout follows a successful trial last year in varying weather conditions, including during peak summer temperatures.

The retailer’s fleet engineering manager Cliff Smith said: “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.

“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.”

The endurance units, which are designed and manufactured by Sunswap, use solar panels mounted on trailer roofs and built-in modular batteries to power chilled and frozen deliveries, without the need for diesel.

Sunswap chief executive Michael Lowe 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.”

In 2022, the grocery giant became the first UK supermarket to use battery-powered delivery lorries in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

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