M&S has commissioned a ‘first-of-its-kind’ truck with inverter technology that enables chilled trailers to be powered directly from its battery.

Developed through the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure programme, this marks the first deployment of this technology on a DAF truck in the UK and reduces the need for diesel-powered refrigeration on chilled journeys. By enabling refrigeration to run on electricity rather than diesel, this innovation is a significant step forward in the transition towards fully electrified transport operations.

The truck is part of a new leet of ten new lower emission DAF XD electric trucks being integrated into M&S logistics operations, and build on M&S’ electric fleet expansion, joining eight other zero-tailpipe emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric smaller trucks. Five of the new vehicles are already in service and a further five will enter operations this year.

Mick Pethard, group fleet manager at M&S, said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and, through collaboration with Gist and DAF, we are able to trial new technologies, reduce carbon, save energy and drive operational efficiencies across the business.”

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