GXO Logistics, Inc, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, has partnered with its long-standing customer, independent family brewer and pub company, Shepherd Neame, to introduce two electric Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts into its operations.
Part of Project Electric Freightway under the UK Government’s ZEHID programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the new trucks operate between Shepherd Neame’s historic brewery in the heart of Faversham and GXO’s dedicated distribution centre just over a mile away on the outskirts of the town.
The E-Tech Ts collect kegs, casks, and bottles from the brewery and return with empty barrels for reuse, making around 10 trips daily and saving 1,148 litres of diesel each month. In addition to reducing emissions, the switch to electric trucks has also reduced noise pollution as the vehicles travel through the centre of the town.
L-R: Richard King, Shepherd Neame Logistics and Supply Chain Manager; Giles Hilton, Shepherd Neame Head of Customer Relations; Chris Hyde, Managing Director for Food and Beverage, GXO UK&I; Simon Calado, Renault Trucks Energy Transition Manager; Jessica Sawbridge, Renault Trucks Electromobility Customer Experience Manager
Capable of travelling up to 300 km on a single charge, the 42 tonne E-Tech Ts are powered by six 90 kWh batteries and three electric motors, delivering up to 490kW continuous power and maximum torque of 2400Nm, coupled to Renault Trucks’ Optidriver AT 2412 12 speed automated gearbox.
Shepherd Neame’s Director of Property Development and Sustainability, Martin Godden said: “As a company we are committed to doing the right thing for our communities, our people and our environment, and recently introduced our People, Pubs and Planet strategy which includes reducing our net zero carbon for direct emissions by 2030. This investment is aimed at helping us to ensure our operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.”
GXO has been Shepherd Neame’s distribution partner since 2023, distributing beer, wines, spirits and minerals to its estate of 289 pubs and hotels across Kent, London and the South East, along with more than 250 customers across the country.
Chris Hyde, Managing Director for Food and Beverage at GXO UK and Ireland, said: “It’s brilliant to be working with Shepherd Neame and Renault Trucks to expand our fleet of electric vehicles. These new trucks not only help us reduce the carbon footprint of our partnership, but they are a significant step in our commitment to finding more sustainable logistics solutions for our customers. We know the transition to alternative fuels presents challenges to the industry, but this is a great example of how we can implement EVs into an operation and instantly make it more eco-friendly.”
GXO has been working with Renault Trucks to source vehicles for a number of years, and has purchased five fully electric vehicles in partnership with its customers, including Shepherd Neame.
Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland said: “We’re proud to see the first E-Tech Ts on the road with GXO and Shepherd Neame, supporting their shift to more sustainable transport. It’s great to see Britain’s oldest brewer embracing the future of zero emission trucks today. Their commitment to decarbonisation sends a clear signal, and we hope others across the industry will follow their lead.”
Dr Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager – Zero Emission Road Freight, Innovate UK said: “It’s great to see GXO partner with Shepherd Neame to introduce two electric Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts, as part of Project Electric Freightway. This forms part of the wider ZEHID programme which is funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector. Innovate UK is proud to support this pioneering effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
