Online electricals retailer AO is transitioning its fleet of tractor units from diesel to more environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG), with a goal to have 90% of its vehicles running on CNG by 2030.
AO originally purchased 10 CNG tractor units in 2022 and the Bolton-based company has now brought 10 more into its fleet. The switch will enable a reduction of up to 85% in CO2 emissions, compared to the existing diesel fleet.
To couple with the tractor units, AO has also acquired 20 longer moving deck double deck semi-trailers (LSTs) from Cheshire business Tiger Trailers.
The LSTs are 2.05 metres longer than the standard trailers used by AO, allowing for a 10% increase in capacity, as appliances can be double stacked on both lower and upper decks, as well as loaded four products wide if desired.
David Ashwell, group logistics director at AO, said: “We are proud to be continuing our move to a more sustainable future that will hopefully see 90% of our fleet running on CNG by 2030.
“These tractor units and the new LSTs allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on costs. Crucially it significantly increases our capacity, which enables us to deliver even better service to our customers.”
At the end of 2022, AO acquired 130 new home delivery vans after it turned to drivers for recommendations on how to upgrade its fleet. It currently operates from 18 local depots, delivering to 98% of UK postcodes every day of the week.
We deliver!
Our editor picks some choice pieces from the analysis flow and sends them to your inbox every Wednesday. Dedicated research report previews will also come direct to you. Subscribe for the emails.
Why not join us on Linkedin and you’ll get the best updates on our research and analysis – UK, Europe and Global – in your feed.
