Ocado is taking an all-electric approach to a new distribution centre in London after local residents raised pollution concerns.
The online grocer will use 100% electric vans from the outset of its Islington hub opening.
The company has worked with UK Power Networks to ensure that it can supply sufficient power to charge the vehicles.
A spokesperson said: “After listening to the concerns of the local community we are revising our proposals for our spoke facility at the Bush Industrial Estate. This includes accelerating our plans to operate the site with 100% electric Ocado vans, from its outset.
“This will see us invest in one of the largest electric van fleets in the country which will revolutionise the way we deliver groceries in the borough and mean that our overall emissions in Islington and the surrounding areas will fall.”
Residents of the area, as well as local politicians such as MP Jeremy Corbyn, raised concerns over the site’s proximity to a primary school and its proposed use of fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Planned low or zero-emission zones elsewhere in the country have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as in Oxford. The initial “red zone” with planned introduction in December 2020, will cover a smaller part of the city centre. The council has also proposed a “green zone”, expected in 2021 or 2022, which will cover the rest of the city centre and include discounts for vehicles that comply with the London ultra low emission zone emissions standards.
London introduced its ultra low emission zone in April 2019, followed by a raft of measures to support electric vehicles in June.
