Solomon Commercials helps Tesco launch green fleet

Supermarket giant Tesco is rolling out its first fully electric 18-tonne truck, with Haslingden-based Solomon Commercials supplying its specialist refrigeration body.

The new zero-emission vehicle is now delivering from Tesco's Dagenham distribution centre to more than 400 stores in Greater London. Further electric vehicles are planned to enter service in the coming months.

The vehicle will use a Solomon Commercials' Slipstream body specifically designed to optimise load while maximising aerodynamics to cut drag and improve vehicle range.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK and ROI CEO, said: "We all want to see improved air quality and less pollution in our towns and cities, and electric vehicles will play a crucial role in achieving this. The Tesco distribution network is one of the largest in the UK and provides us with a great opportunity to roll out new technologies like this industry-leading E-Tech electric truck from Renault Trucks.

"Together with our switch to electric home delivery vans and rolling out electric vehicle charging points for our customers, we're really excited about the improvements we're making across our business and our transition to electric vehicles."

Tesco is the latest in a number of companies which have adopted Solomon Commercials technology to launch green fleets in recent months.

The company has also worked with Lake District food and drink suppliers Caterite to deliver a new fleet of aerodynamic vehicles to its 50-strong fleet.

Caterite employs 170 people and operates from its three locations in Cumbria, making on average 3,000 deliveries per week to its 2,000 customers. Solomon Commercials is providing nine Ford Transit Slipstream dual-temperature vehicles fitted with the Thermoking V300 and Blueseal air curtains to minimise temperature loss.

Solomon Commercials has also partnered with Electra Commercial Vehicles to deliver the first-of-its-kind 19-tonne hydrogen-powered truck, which is being trialled by Sainsbury's.

Anthony Clegg, sales director at Solomon Commercials, said: "More and more customers are actively looking to introduce carbon neutral policies and to minimise the impact of their vehicles on the environment. We've been working with clients, such as Tesco, for many years with these objectives in mind and we're proud to play our part.

"We can see the transition to commercial electric vehicles picking up pace, particularly with the government wanting to reach stringent emissions targets and to create clean air cities. Electric vehicles will play an important role in ensuring this is achieved."