AO equips fleet with new vehicles to cut CO2

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.

Supplied in AO’s striking green vinyl livery and with both single and 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 a year. Over the past two years, the retailer has increased its warehousing capacity by more than 80% to 1.5 million ft2 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-lightweight home delivery vans supplied on contract hire by Fraikin.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the new CNG vehicles into our UK trunking fleet and continue our successful partnership with Fraikin,” said David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics. “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.

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.

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.