Sainsbury’s has begun delivering online orders by electric van.
‘Evie’ the zero-emission electric van is delivering groceries across central and east London as of this week in a trial that could spread more widely.
A second electric van, dubbed ‘Stevie’ by Sainsbury’s, will join the fleet operating from the supermarket’s Bromley-by-Bow fulfilment centre in May, ahead of a potential rollout.
The vans have an 80-mile range on a single charge and will drop off up to 30 orders a day. They recharge overnight and can carry the same weight as a diesel vehicle, according to Sainsbury’s.
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“We’re delighted to welcome Evie to the team and lead the charge in putting the latest electric van technology to the test for grocery deliveries,” said Sainsbury’s group chief digital officer Clodagh Moriarty.
“We’re always looking at how we can use the latest innovations to best serve our customers and this trial will help us explore how we can deliver Sainsbury’s groceries in a more environmentally friendly way.”
Sainsbury’s joins Ocado in using electric vehicles for London delivery. Sainsbury’s has also used electric cargo bikes to deliver in South London since April last year, as has the Co-op since last month for its new on-demand service from its King’s Road branch in Chelsea.
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