BWG Foods, license holder of the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands in Ireland, has launched that country’s first electric heavy goods (HGV) vehicle in the 20-tonne category. This represents a €400,000 investment by the company as part of a pioneering programme to test innovative low-carbon technologies.

The 20-tonne Volvo electric truck, which has a capacity for up to 33 pallet spaces, is powered by four 240 kWh batteries, providing a range of up to 250 kilometres. This reflects the commitment of the distributor to pioneer breakthrough technologies across their supply chain.

The new vehicle will undertake inter-depot delivery operations, in addition to nationwide deliveries to SPAR and EUROSPAR Supermarkets, using fast charging to increase daily range. The distributor expects the new electric addition to its expansive low-carbon delivery fleet to deliver approximately 80 tonnes of CO2 savings annually when compared to conventional diesel-powered trucks. The distributor’s average delivery truck covers 100,000 kilometres per year.

This milestone development brings BWG Foods’ low-carbon delivery fleet to 32 HGV vehicles, combining biogas, compressed natural gas and electricity, reinforcing the group’s status as having Ireland’s most sustainable delivery fleet.

Source: SPAR Ireland

Read more about SPAR in Ireland

About SPAR Ireland

SPAR Ireland was established in 1963. It is operated by a leading wholesale and retail company, BWG Foods, now a subsidiary of SPAR Group Ltd Southern Africa.

With a presence across the Republic of Ireland, SPAR is one of the country’s largest convenience retail groups. In developing the business, SPAR Ireland has a long track record of recognising the strategic importance of new retail concepts. It operates three of the four SPAR formats: SPAR, EUROSPAR, and SPAR Express. These three formats bring consumers a comprehensive range of innovative products and instore offerings.