British supermarket chain Tesco is set to introduce 151 all-electric Iveco eDaily vans into its delivery fleet, with the first vehicle already in service at the Horwich store. Equipped with two batteries, the eDaily can be fast-charged with up to 80 kW, providing an additional 62 miles (about 100 kilometers) of range in approximately 30 minutes. While the eDaily will primarily rely on local AC infrastructure at Tesco stores for charging, the retailer boasts 2,700 charging bays across its 619 UK locations.
Tesco plans to have the remaining 150 EVs deployed by the end of the year, all featuring the dual-battery configuration. This move is part of the company’s broader goal to achieve a fully electric delivery fleet by 2030 and to become carbon neutral in the UK by 2035. The deployment of the 500th electric van for home deliveries at the Sheffield Extra store marks a significant milestone for Tesco, making it the first in Yorkshire to operate a fully electric fleet.
Rob Smallwood, Tesco’s fleet manager, expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “The delivery of the Iveco eDaily electric home delivery van to our Horwich store is an exciting step as we move towards a fully electric fleet across the UK by 2030. The extended range the eDaily offers will enable us to reach more customers in a single trip at our bigger catchments stores, and help us reach our commitment to be carbon neutral in our own operations by 2035.”
Tesco has been proactive in its sustainability efforts, joining seven other British companies in pledging to electrify their fleets by 2030. The supermarket chain has also ensured that its stores have charging points for customers using electric cars and collaborates with EO Charging to install corresponding infrastructure at its depots for charging its electric vans.
