Woolworths pledges to convert all 3000 home delivery vehicles to electric by 2030

Woolworths has pledged it will transition its entire home delivery fleet of 3.000 internal combustion engine vehicles to 100% electric by 2030.

The supermarket giant says it will initially launch 27 of the new EV delivery vehicles over the next 2 months servicing Sydney customers in the CBD, Inner West, Sutherland Shire, St George and Eastern Suburbs.

The company’s fleet will include two EV models made by Foton Motor and SAIC Motor with electric refrigeration systems.

“Our home delivery trucks are a familiar sight in neighbourhoods across Australia and within the next seven years, we want to make every one of them electric and free of fossil fuels,” said Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci in a statement.

“We’re proud to be putting 27 new EVs on the road in the coming weeks – in one of the many ways we’re working to make grocery shopping greener.

“Not only can we help make our suburban streets quieter and cleaner, but we hope to set an example for other businesses to support the growth of Australia’s EV industry.”

Greenpeace Australia Pacific welcomed the announcement as major progress towards renewable-powered cities.

“As the world looks to zero emissions, Woolworths is showing how businesses can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis – by rapidly reducing emissions, setting new standards in sustainability, and showing what’s possible,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific senior campaigner Violette Snow said today.

“Diesel trucking is a major contributor to air pollution and is fuelling serious health issues in communities like Maribyrnong, who have declared a ‘Health Emergency’ to combat the issue.

“The country’s largest supermarket is leading the transition to 100% wind and solar powered transport and marks a vital step in curbing climate pollution, benefitting both local communities and our planet.

“Customers, investors, staff and stakeholders expect businesses to do the right thing.

“At a time of climate crisis, every business must now be a ‘climate business’. We must accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels and rapidly transition to clean, renewable energy sources.

“This announcement sends a strong signal to Australia’s major retailers including Coles and Aldi: it’s time to electrify your fleet.”

The move further advances Woolies’ climate credentials, following the retailer’s commitment in 2020 to source 100 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025 – a move welcomed by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

“Today’s announcement sets Woolies apart from their competitors. The onus is now on other major retailers like Coles and Aldi to follow suit and accelerate on their commitments to cleaner, greener transport,” Ms Snow added.