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Waitrose stores in central London are taking deliveries via the first of Mercedes-Benz’s low-emission Atego BlueTec Hybrid trucks.
The 12 tonne Atego BlueTec Hybrid is operated by shared user distribution firm Lenham Storage, making between 12 and 15 drops per day, six days a week.
Keith Abrehart, managing director of Lenham, said: “What we like about the Mercedes Atego Hybrid is that it’s a genuine, ‘real world’ solution that combines the environmental attractions of electric power with the operational reassurance of a conventional diesel engine.”
It has a Euro 5/EEV diesel engine and an electric motor, which can power the vehicle individually or in tandem, reducing fuel consumption by around 15 per cent, with a concomitant affect on carbon emissions.
The cab’s wind-cheating “Freddie” roof deflector and collar are by aerodynamics specialist Hatcher Components. The Bevan21 box body has a curved roof, tapered sides and roof-mounted rear diffuser, manufactured from lightweight, recyclable panels supplied and built by Bevan.
Justin Laney, fleet general manager for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Using this vehicle for deliveries to our Waitrose shops will help us to assess the contribution that the latest hybrid technology can make to our own carbon reduction plans.”
