Dutch retailer Albert Heijn has commissioned two fully electric trucks to supply its supermarkets in Amsterdam.
The emission-free vehicles are the next step in the company's sustainability programme, which it aims to develop over the next few years.
"The use of e-vehicles fits well with our ambition to drive trucks that are more fuel-efficient, quieter and cleaner," said Peter Leegstraten, a senior consultant for transportation at Albert Heijn.
Logistics
Provided by Simon Loos, the logistics partner of Albert Heijn, the new trucks will drive between the stores and the distribution centre in Zaandam up to six times a day.
The capacity of the vehicles is similar to that of diesel trucks, and by recharging the batteries during loading operations at the distribution centre, the company says that the new trucks can be used practically continuously.
Zero Emissions
The city of Amsterdam has a focus on environmental policy. By 2025, it plans to have the A10 ring road around the city completely emission-free, or as clean as possible.
Albert Heijn's new vehicles are part of a joint sustainability effort between the retailer and the city.
"Amsterdam is a leader in electric transportation," said Abdeluheb Choho, councilman for sustainability in Amsterdam. "It's good to see companies such as Albert Heijn take the initiative to contribute to this."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
