Fraikin supplies pureplay AO with new CNG vehicles

Fraikin has delivered 10 new CNG powered tractor units into operation with AO, as the online electricals retailer looks to reduce its carbon footprint across its commercial vehicle fleet.

Signed to a five-year, full service contract hire agreement, the new IVECO S-WAY NP 4x2 tractor units are the first in AO’s 129 strong trucking fleet to operate on natural gas. 

The vehicles operate on compressed biomethane and replace older, diesel powered trucks.

They will carry large appliances between the company’s depots in Crewe and North London, clocking up around 125,000 miles per year. 

Over the last two years, the pureplay has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80% to 1.5 million sq ft and grown its distribution network to over 25 depots across the UK.

In total, AO currently operates more than 1,000 commercial vehicles, including 3.5 tonne ultra-light weight home delivery vans supplied on contract hire by Fraikin.

David Ashwell, MD at AO Logistics, says: “We are always looking at ways to improve our operation in terms of both sustainability and fuel efficiency – trialling these new IVECO tractor units is a fantastic step towards reducing our impact on the environment.”

Mark Guilfoyle, Business Development Manager at Fraikin, says: “Having already supplied 63 tractor units into the fleet since the companies began working together in 2017, Fraikin has built up a solid understanding of AO’s business and are acutely aware of what is required from the vehicles it operates, as well as its wider environmental aims.”

If the new trucks prove to be a success, AO will look to replace more diesel powered assets.

Green retailStaff WriterFraikin, AO, Online retail, Pureplays, Green retail, Sustainable retailComment