CDS Superstores Makes Landmark Move Into Electric HGVs

• CDS Superstores partners with Gregory Distribution to make landmark move into electric HGVs

• Household and garden retailer is among the first to utilise electric HGVs, meaning this collaboration marks a major step in sustainable deliveries  

CDS Superstores (trading as The Range, wilko and Homebase) is making a powerful move towards more sustainable logistics through a landmark partnership with Gregory Distribution, unveiling two fully electric HGVs that will serve its UK store network.

These cutting-edge battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are among just a small number currently operating in the UK, placing CDS Superstores at the forefront of greener goods transportation.

Working closely with Gregory Distribution, CDS Superstores has integrated these electric vehicles into routes between its distribution centres and stores. Thanks to the rapid charging capabilities at CDS’ Stowmarket hub, the vehicles can complete double shifts – a crucial requirement in fast-paced, high-volume operations. After one driver completes a shift, the vehicle is recharged and ready for the next driver on the same day, delivering performance that rivals traditional diesel HGVs without the emissions. 

The investment is a significant milestone for CDS Superstores, marking a step forward for the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining the scale, speed and reliability its customers expect. 

CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range, wilko and Homebase, Alex Simpkin said: “We’re extremely proud to be among the very first UK retailers rolling out fully electric HGVs on the road. Sustainability is a growing focus for our business and customers, and this partnership with Gregory Distribution allows us to take a tangible step forward. 

“With zero tailpipe emissions and reduced noise pollution, these electric vehicles align with our environmental goals and mark the beginning of a more sustainable journey for our supply chain.” 

Paul Jefferson, Group Legal, Risk & Sustainability Director, at Gregory Distribution, said: “The transport sector is the highest contributor to UK greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 26%, and heavy and light goods vehicles alone make up over 10% of this. We firmly believe it’s our responsibility to lead the way in changing those statistics. 

“Electric HGVs have traditionally faced challenges around range and payload, but these new vehicles are breaking the stigma and the feedback from our drivers has been hugely positive. Each vehicle has been specified to meet CDS Superstores’ unique operational requirements, eliminating tailpipe emissions and reducing air and noise pollution, which is valuable for deliveries to the urban areas where many of The Range’s stores are based.” 

The trucks form part of a wider initiative led by Gregory Distribution to achieve net zero by 2038 – two years ahead of many of its customers. 

As part of the Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, funded by Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, both Gregory and CDS Superstores will contribute valuable real-world data to inform the future of electric transport in the logistics sector. 

For more information, please visit https://www.therange.co.uk/

Source : CDS Superstores

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