Wincanton reports first arrivals of new electric powered trucks scheduled to join its logistics fleet this year

Wincanton has announced the first arrivals of 24 new electric powered trucks scheduled to join its logistics fleet this year. The move forms part of the company’s investment in the necessary solutions to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The multimillion-pound project will see Wincanton introduce battery electric trucks to its fleet. The trucks will hit the nation’s roads this summer. 

The new vehicles, supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, which will be able to operate at more than 40 tonnes, are expected to reduce Wincanton’s CO2 emissions by 2,400 tonnes per year.

To support the new trucks, Wincanton is rolling out depot-based charging infrastructure across key sites, including Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire.

This infrastructure, designed and built in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve, is crucial for the transition towards sustainable fleet operations, facilitating this expansion of Wincanton’s electrified fleet. 

The introduction of the new electric trucks aligns with its commitment to deliver long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for customers. This includes investment in electric vehicle technology to provide home delivery services for Ikea and the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel 85% of its logistics vehicle fleet serving Screwfix.

This test and learn initiative forms part of its participation in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia. Both projects are part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

Carl Hanson, Managing Director, Transport, at Wincanton, says: "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, with collaboration fundamental to achieving our net zero goals. By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we’re cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers. And, with these HGVs marking a major step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain, this important milestone will help us learn and adapt for the future. We can’t wait to see the new trucks in action."

He adds: "Low emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics, but widespread adoption is still years away. In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlocking greener supply chains hinges on collaboration and optimisation.” 

Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility, at Innovate UK, comments: “It’s great to see Wincanton take delivery of 24 electric HGVs. We look forward to the real-world demonstrations and collaboration as part of Project Electric Freightway eFREIGHT 2030, under the wider ZEHID programme, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.”

“These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector. Innovate UK is proud to support this pioneering effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.