Tesco charges forward with first electric refrigerated truck complete with Aerodyne kit to improve performance

This summer, Tesco announced they had added their first all-electric refrigerated truck to their fleet. The 18-tonne Renault vehicle is carrying out deliveries from the firm’s Dagenham distribution centre to around 400 central London stores. 

Obviously, this move is a brilliant advancement when it comes to the environment – it generates zero emissions and very low traffic noise making it ideal for urban journeys. 

But what has this development got to do with aerodynamics? 

More than you would think. One of the greatest challenges for fleets wanting to move across to electric vehicles comes when they need refrigeration capability. It’s a big ask for a battery to run the vehicle and the fridge and achieve the required journey distances between charges to make the fleet cost-effective. 

Enter Aerodyne. We’re proud to have worked with Tesco on this project to add our products to their chosen vehicle. All electricity not used to overcome drag when the vehicle is in motion gives the vehicle a longer range aiding its operational capacity considerably. 

The smoother the journey, the further a charge will last. It’s the same as the economies of traditional fuels, but it becomes more critical when we are talking about alternative fuels, such as electricity where range can be an issue. 

Finding a solution that worked for Tesco – using Renault’s E-Tech D Wide vehicle, Solomon Commercials’ refrigeration body and Aerodyne’s deep adjustable 3D fairing and cab rear sidewings  – is great news for all fleet managers. It further develops our trust in the future of electric vehicles as the carbon neutral deadline of 2030 continues to draw nearer. 

The beauty of the Aerodyne solution is that it can be fitted either by the manufacturer or the dealership so fleet managers aren’t restricted in which vehicles they can choose. There’s always the opportunity to make improvements by optimising aerodynamics, whether the vehicle is hot off the production line or has already joined the fleet. 

Short journeys still benefit 

Our extensive testing has also proven that aerodynamics can improve performance (Read our blog on Urban Trucks & Aerodynamics) on shorter journeys and at lower speeds. It’s a common misconception that aerodynamics only comes into play on trunking/long-haul journeys but there’s clear evidence to the contrary. And, at a time when strict targets are fast approaching, as Tesco themselves rightly say, every little helps. 

To find out more about how Aerodyne can help you save fuel, reduce your carbon footprint or increase the range of electric vehicles, get in touch and ask about our Fleet Aerodynamics Survey (FAS).