Foodstuffs North Island electric truck cuts 81 tonnes of emissions

Foodstuffs North Island reports that its Deepway Star electric heavy truck has prevented over 81 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during its first six months of operation. The vehicle has covered 44,524km, transporting chilled and frozen groceries from the Mihaere Drive Distribution Centre in Palmerston North to various stores across the lower North Island.

The total emissions savings include 72,053kg from the truck and 9,118kg from its electric refrigerated trailer. This reduction is roughly equivalent to removing 35 petrol cars from the road for one year. Carbon manager Ben Riordan stated that transitioning heavy vehicles away from diesel is central to the co-operative’s goal of reducing emissions by 42% by 2030.

Following this period, Foodstuffs North Island is assessing the charging and energy infrastructure required to expand its electric fleet. Future plans include integrating EV infrastructure into new distribution centres currently under development and expanding capacity across its existing network of five distribution centres.