Confectionary giant announces switch to electric trucks for European logistics
Delivery of the new fleet has taken place in Germany, while routes will supply countries including the Netherlands and UK.
Mars Inc, one of the most recognisable and powerful confectionary companies on the planet, hopes to save 20,000 metric tonnes of CO2e per year by changing to EVs for distribution. This would account to a 10% reduction in the firm’s road transport greenhouse gas emissions annually.
The 300 electric trucks are also digitally opitimised, representing the most advanced haulage technology currently available. The first route, between the Mars Petcare factory, Verden, Germany, and a distribution centre in Minden, Germany, some 56miles away, has already begun operating the new low emission vehicles. As a result, 193,000 road miles will be clocked up by the two Mercedes eActros 300 Tractors.
It is expected that journeys within the UK and the Netherlands will soon follow, with the introduction of autonomous piloting also set to be introduced by 2025. Mars, Inc has wider plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and in order to hit this target aims to reduce its carbon outpu bu 50% this decade, across the full value chain (including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions types).
‘Partnering with Einride to deploy 300 electric heavy-duty trucks across Europe is a great example of how we collaborate and leverage our scale to drive action and real change today – providing long-term value and impact while setting the stage for a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow,’ said Barry Parkin, Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer at Mars, Inc.
‘This partnership is our latest investment to achieve net zero by 2050, implementing the actions outlined in the Mars Net Zero Roadmap with a focus on improving and optimizing logistics, redesigning networks, transforming the type of transport we rely on, and embracing the electrification of our truck fleets,’ he continued. ‘Together with our partners, we’re driving change and showcasing a commitment to sustainability at scale.’
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Image: Mars, Inc