Zero-emission trucks trial to begin

Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies, has announced logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel will trial the effectiveness of zero emission-capable trucks and refrigeration units on its urban delivery routes.

Funded in part by Innovate UK’s low-emission freight and logistics project, the Temperature-controlled Range-extenders and Integrated Urban Mapping of Pollution (TRIUMPH) trial will see one of the UK’s largest fleet operators trial the effectiveness of low carbon vehicles transporting a mix of ambient, chilled, and frozen produce to Whitbread hospitality brands such as Costa and Premier Inn.

Kuehne + Nagel’s temperature-controlled transport (TCT) routes will now include four fully electric lorries, two range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), and two liquid nitrogen-cooled refrigeration vehicles. The trial is the first of its kind to provide real-world performance data to make the business case for investment in zero emission-capable trucks and zero-emission TCT.

The project aims to inject low carbon technology into the UK’s logistics industry, which accounts for 17% of all road-transport emissions. Working in partnership, Cenex will manage data collection and mapping for the trial, while Microlise develops a supporting telemetry system, and Tevva develops a 14t REEV and zero-emission running strategies for REEVs based on the real-time air-quality measurements provided by EarthSense.

Finally, Emissions Analytics will be responsible for measuring trial vehicles’ emissions and range capability performance in real-world conditions. Findings will be shared with UK logistics operators, and used to encourage the industry to invest in low carbon technology for the delivery of food and perishable goods.

Steve Carroll, head of transport at Cenex, said, ‘Cenex is delighted to be validating the performance of zero-emission technologies in heavy-distribution and temperature-controlled transport operations. These two areas are especially challenging for operators to use low-emission technologies, so the industry needs more insight into the real-world benefits and challenges of implementing low-emissions technology in urban logistics operations.’

Andrew Blake, Kuehne + Nagel, added, ‘Reducing our environmental impact and improving the efficiency of our fleets is a key goal for Kuehne + Nagel, and what our customers expect of us. Lowering the overall carbon footprint of food distribution services is critical to us achieving that goal and leading the industry in sustainable, reliable logistics.’

 

SHARE
Share