Wiltshire Farm Foods Eastbourne has acquired a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment whilst its drivers carry out the important work of delivering meals to some of society’s most vulnerable.
The ready meal provider in Westham has demonstrated its commitment to reaching net zero targets by mobilising its ‘industry-first’ fleet of refrigerated EVs.
Driver supervisor Nichola White said: “We’re in the business of sometimes driving great distances to deliver to our customers, so the fact that we’re doing our bit for the environment means a great deal to the team here.”
Thanks to parent company apetito, the branch has benefitted from £14.3m investment to convert 75% of the entire Wiltshire Farm Foods fleet nationwide to EVs before the end of 2025. This change is set to save an impressive 1,358 tonnes of CO2e per year.
The transition of refrigerated vehicles to electric marks a groundbreaking innovation due to the significant power draw required for refrigeration – something which many industry experts described as ‘impossible’ to achieve.
Many of the vehicles also have the unique addition of solar panels, enabling them to generate their own electricity whilst the vans are in motion.
Branch manager Simon Kemp said: “It’s been fascinating to understand more about the technology involved with these EVs and great to see the enthusiasm of our drivers as they take to the roads in them.
“Having recently been awarded a King’s Award for Sustainable Development due to our closed-loop recycling scheme with our food trays, we’re really pleased to expand further on our sustainability credentials in this way.”
Wiltshire Farm Foods has committed to electrifying its fleet with over 200 brand-new refrigerated EVs to be rolled out across its branches UK-wide.
