Wiltshire Farm Foods is powering ahead with sustainability through a substantial £14.3 million investment to electrify its delivery fleet. The initiative, representing the UK’s largest investment in refrigerated electric vehicles by a regional food provider, will see over 200 new EVs integrated throughout 2024. This ambitious electrification program supports parent company apetito’s strategic objective to convert 75% of the Wiltshire Farm Foods fleet to electric power by the close of 2025.
Electrifying the future of food delivery with a landmark £14.3 million investment in sustainable transportation solutions.
The environmental impact of this shift is expected to be significant, with projected carbon reductions of 1,358 tonnes CO2e annually. Many of the new vehicles feature roof-mounted solar panels that generate green electricity during operation, addressing the particularly challenging Scope 1 emissions that have traditionally been difficult for distribution companies to mitigate.
This private sector investment coincides with Wiltshire Council‘s allocation of £3.88 million toward local EV infrastructure through the LEVI project. The council has supplemented this with £480,000 for dedicated infrastructure officers, demonstrating a thorough public-private approach to electrification in the region.
The charging network expansion prioritizes communities without access to private off-street charging, with extensive stakeholder engagement determining ideal charger placement. The company’s leadership has expressed pride in the investment toward achieving net-zero emissions as part of their environmental responsibility. The council’s multi-channel communication strategy includes webinars, newsletters, and social media to maximize public awareness and participation.
What’s particularly impressive about Wiltshire Farm Foods’ approach is the integration of cutting-edge technology without sacrificing operational performance. Similar to Anaphite’s innovative dry coating technology, these advancements could reduce energy costs and make electric vehicles more affordable to consumers. The strategic placement of charging infrastructure reflects the industry’s understanding that highway coverage is essential for eliminating range anxiety and supporting operational efficiency. The refrigerated EVs maintain industry-standard cold-chain reliability, ensuring no degradation in service quality despite the powertrain transformation.
The company’s collaboration with climate tech innovators further strengthens the initiative’s credibility. This partnership-driven approach brings specialized expertise to both vehicle technology and infrastructure development, creating scalable solutions that address current needs while anticipating future technological evolution.
This thorough electrification strategy represents a watershed moment for sustainable cold-chain logistics in the UK, proving that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can successfully coexist in the demanding food delivery sector.
