Making strong efforts to reach its value chain goal of net zero by 2039, Unilever has added its first heavy-duty electric truck to its fleet. Running entirely on renewable power, the 44-ton Volvo truck is one of the first with sufficient range to transport goods from Unilever’s distribution centers to its retail customers.
“Electrification of our transport and distribution activities is at the heart of Unilever’s logistics sustainability strategy. This launch represents a significant step forward in putting that strategy into action and marks a milestone toward more and more electrification in Europe,” said Michelle Grose, Unilever’s Head of Global Logistics.
“We’re delighted to be one of the first companies to use this new truck and to be working with our trusted transport partners Kuehne+Nagel and Simon Loos as we start this journey,” Michelle continued.
The vehicle will be hitting the roads in the Netherlands, and with a 540 kWh battery capacity, it can travel up to 185 miles on a single charge, a release stated. To charge the heavy-duty truck, the distributor has invested in setting up high-power charging infrastructure at its Tiel distribution center in the Netherlands.
When charged with green, renewable electricity at Unilever’s distribution center the truck will reduce up to 100 tons of carbon per year compared to a regular diesel truck. Additionally, it’s also much quieter than a diesel-powered vehicle, which is good for the environment and for drivers’ working conditions.
“We are excited about this partnership,” commented Anna Müller, Senior Vice President, Europe North & Central at Volvo Trucks. “Starting with the introduction of the very first heavy electric truck in Unilever’s transport system will provide valuable insights and constitutes a great basis for an extended collaboration in the future.”
To read more about this new pilot program, click here.
How will Unilever and other distributors continue to drive innovation and sustainability? Keep reading Deli Market News for answers.
