Fraikin has delivered 10 new CNG-powered tractor units into operation with AO, as the online electricals retailer looks to reduce its carbon footprint and improve sustainability across its commercial vehicle fleet.
Signed to a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement, the new IVECO S-WAY NP 4×2 tractor units are the first in AO’s 129-strong trunking fleet to operate on natural gas. The vehicles operate on compressed biomethane and replace older, diesel-powered trucks. Utilising its industry expertise, Fraikin was able to highlight how the new IVECO units could provide a cost-effective solution with the right environmental credentials.
Supplied in AO’s striking green vinyl livery and with both single double deck trailers, the new vehicles 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 retailer has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80% to 1.5 million sq ft and rapidly 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 of AO Logistics, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the new CNG vehicles into our UK trunking fleet and continue our successful partnership with Fraikin. At AO Logistics, 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.”
The new S-WAY NP features some of the most mature gas driveline technology available on the market, enabling operators to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent when running on biomethane.
Peter Eaton, Sales and Business Development Manager at CNG Fuels, commented: “CNG Fuels are thrilled to be working with AO and Fraikin on this project and to be welcoming these 10 CNG vehicles through our Bio-CNG Station network. These vehicles will be running on 100% Renewable & Sustainable Biomethane and will be helping to reduce HGV emissions by over 90% currently. By the end of 2022 our aim is to deliver Biomethane that will achieve a Net Zero emissions target for all of our customers.”
The new truck design features improved aerodynamics to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. With large, 1,052-litre fuel tanks, the S-WAY NPs will be more than capable of handling their intended operational trunking routes, offering a range of up to 380 miles on a full tank.
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.”
As a business, AO is also a leader in the recycling of used white goods, with its own state-of-the-art recycling facility in Telford – a commitment to lowering its environmental impact Fraikin has helped to mirror with the move away from fossil fuels.
If the new trucks prove to be a success, the company will look to replace more diesel-powered assets, with Fraikin once again ready to offer guidance and advice on the best available options.