Jumbo is to deploy an electric truck to supply shops. Today, ceo Frits van Eerd received the keys to the electric truck from DAF Trucks and the VDL Groep.
Jumbo will deploy the electric truck, developed by DAF and VDL, from its distribution centre in Veghel. The truck has a range of 100 kilometres. This allows shops in the area to be supplied in a clean way. To recharge the truck, a charging station has been installed at the distribution centre in Veghel. The distribution centre in Veghel is equipped with solar panels, so that the charging station will be powered by solar energy as much as possible in the future.
Frits van Eerd, CEO of Jumbo, received the keys of the truck from the hands of Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks, and Willem van der Leegte, president of VDL Groep.
Jumbo climate plan
"The deployment of this zero-emission truck contributes to the realisation of our Climate Plan," said Frits van Eerd. This plan sets out requirements for more efficient energy use, CO2 reduction and the use of renewable energy. The supermarket chain aims to reduce its transport emissions by 50 per cent by 2020 compared to 2008.
Besides the electric truck, Jumbo already uses two hybrid trucks in Amsterdam, Den Bosch and Eindhoven. In the inner cities of Groningen and Utrecht, it operates electric delivery trucks for groceries ordered online.
First user of electric truck
Jumbo is the first party to use the truck from DAF and VDL. "The transport sector is on the eve of a major transition. It looks like electric trucks will become the norm for distribution in urban areas before long," predicts Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks. The two parties will further develop the vehicle based on Jumbo's experiences. "With the data and experiences we gather from this in terms of technology and operational deployment, we will be able to further refine this model and fully align it with market needs."
