- One of the UK’s largest DIY and home improvement chains, B&Q, has kickstarted the process of electrifying its home delivery fleet with the arrival of electric trucks to its fleet of home delivery vehicles.
- These first eHGVs look set to be models from Volvo Trucks, with two being added to the fleet now, and a third eHGV arriving in early 2025.
- From 2025, this electrification process will also be complemented by the arrival of smaller electric vans, helping decarbonise even more local deliveries undertaken by the retailer.
B&Q aims towards its 2040 net zero goal
These initial electric HGVs will cover both home delivery services and support its showroom network, transporting larger items such as whole kitchens and bedrooms. B&Q itself has set a target to achieve net zero at both scope 1 and 2 by 2040, and this ever-growing fleet will contribute towards meeting this target.
Amélie Gallichan-Todd, B&Q’s Supply & Logistics Director, commented:
“We’re working hard to improve our fulfilment services to give our customers more choice of when and how their B&Q purchases are delivered. Our aim is to give customers more choice of speed and location whilst, at the same time, fulfilling our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment, and the introduction of these electric trucks into our fleet is another step towards our transition to alternative fuels.”
We’ve reported on a number of UK fleets carrying out similar electrification schemes over the past few weeks, such as DFDS’ addition of 10 fully-electric Volvo eHGVs, and Centrica’s significant electric van fleet. However, these schemes still haven’t been enough to meet UK targets for electric vans in particular – with current BEV market share in light commercial vehicles currently standing at around 5%, despite a per-manufacturer target of 10% set for the end of 2024. The recent extension of the Plug-in Van Grant should go some way to stimulate growth in this sector, however.
