Electric switch for Woods

Family owned foodservice supplier Woods Foodservice begins the switch to electric vans as part of its net zero mission

Award-winning foodservice supplier Woods Foodservice has started its switch to electric vans by taking delivery of 12 refrigerated Ford E-Transit L4s from Progreen, the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire.

The national provider was appointed by family owned Woods as part of its sustainability strategy. Woods’ mission is to become the UK’s leading net zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.

To achieve this, it plans to replace its entire Euro 6 fleet with electric vehicles by the end of the 2025 financial year, building on its investment in fully electric company cars.

STATE OF THE ART

The state-of-the-art electric vans are equipped with solar panels on the roof and multi-temperature storage, including chilled, ambient and frozen compartments. This first wave of electric vans will operate within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Geotab telematics have been fitted across all vehicles to give Woods real-time insights to maximise efficiency and cost savings.

EFFICIENCY BOOST

Wayne Gregory, Operations Manager at Woods Foodservice, says: “Since receiving our new bespoke multi-temperature van design, we’ve seen a significant boost in efficiency. Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient and fresh produce all in one vehicle has streamlined our operations. The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans.

“The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van’s range.”