Ocado in trials of Isuzu electric five tonners 29 October 2010

Ocado, the online supermarket home delivery firm, is currently trialling two Isuzu Forward N-series electric five-tonne light trucks in London's White City area.

Both were built in partnership with Paneltex (Hull) – which manufactured the all-electric drive-train and refrigerated body – and are fully automatic. They operate without a conventional gearbox and take power from permanent on-board batteries that are charged overnight.

Ocado went for the five tonners in place of its normal 3.5-tonne gvw vehicles for home delivery, to enable adequate payload, given the extra weight of the batteries.

The firm also likes the hexapod design cab, because it doesn't compromise the vehicle's overall dimensions.

As Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu Truck (UK), puts it: "Our 5.0 tonne electric truck gives Ocado a vehicle with a better payload than the 3.5-tonne diesel versions that they currently use. So we've ticked all the right boxes. The 5.0 tonners are environmentally friendly and this fits well with Ocado's sustainable distribution model."

Recently, one of the Forward's featured at the historic 'Cart Marking' ceremony in the City of London, and received its official marking in the presence of the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London, the Sheriff of London and other City officers.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd
Paneltex Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.