M&S rolls out electric trucks across its Food and Fashion, Home & Beauty logistics operations
M&S has announced the roll-out of ten new lower emission DAF XD electric trucks across its supply chain logistics fleet, including what is pitched as a first of its kind vehicle. As part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040, the retailer has committed to move to low carbon logistics, increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels.
M&S is introducing new technologies to its fleet with a vehicle fitted with an integrated inverter that draws power from the vehicle’s main battery and converts it to supply the trailer’s refrigeration unit. Developed through the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK 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.
The new vehicles build on M&S’ electric fleet expansion and join eight other zero tailpipe emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric Rigids. Five of the new vehicles are now in service and a further five will enter operations this year.
Mick Pethard, Group Fleet Manager at M&S, says: “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.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
