J Sainsbury : Sainsbury's Introduces First Electric Refrigerated Trailers To Its Fleet

The five new trailers on the lorries have electric fridges, making them more carbon friendly and reducing air pollution in local communities.

• The brand new technology in the UK optimises energy efficiency, converting the kinetic energy into electricity to extend battery life
• Reducing noise pollution, the trailers offer a more sustainable solution for the transport of groceries

Sainsbury's has become the first UK retailer to introduce fully electric refrigerated trailers to its delivery fleet.

The trailer aspect of the lorry is 100 per cent electric, to keep customers' food cold. This means the fridges don't emit carbon emissions or particulate matter such as dust, dirt, soot or smoke into the air and have low noise emissions. This reduces the overall environmental impact of the vehicle, helping to protect local communities and be better for the planet.

The innovative new technology adds charge back into the battery by converting kinetic energy into electricity, keeping the onboard fridges cool and reducing energy consumption.

The introduction of the electric refrigerated trailers to Sainsbury's delivery fleet is proof of the retailer's commitment to be better for the planet and become net zero in its own operations - a decade ahead of the UK Government's own target. Over the next 20 years Sainsbury's will invest £1 billion into its operations to eliminate carbon emissions and significantly reduce energy costs.

Patrick Dunne, Director of Property, Procurement and Cost Transformation at Sainsbury's said: 'Following a successful trial earlier this year, we are pleased to introduce this pioneering technology as part of our delivery fleet. As we look to the future we will continue to invest in testing and trialling to make our fleet more efficient and greener, creating energy at the same time.'

'We will continue to introduce fully electric refrigerated trailers to the delivery fleet over the next 20 years based on Sainsbury's and Argos's energy infrastructure, helping us to plan for a better future.'

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: 'It's brilliant to see an iconic British business embrace this pioneering technology as we all strive towards a zero-emission future.

'We want the UK at the forefront of the electric revolution, and this Government is investing £1.3bn to help build the best infrastructure in the world.'

Last month, Sainsbury's launched its new mission, focusing on 'Helping Everyone Eat Better'. The new focus reflects the retailer's belief that healthy and delicious food should be accessible to customers - helping them to improve diets while reducing their impact on the environment. The retailer has also been announced as the Principal Supermarket Partner for the United Nation's international climate change conference, COP26, taking place this November.