Marks & Spencer has announced the addition of 85 zero or low-emission vehicles to its logistics fleet as part of its Plan A commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040. This investment aligns with the retailer’s goals to transition to low-carbon logistics and adopt cleaner fuels and advanced technologies. Among the new vehicles are five fully electric HGVs that will operate between the Welham Green distribution centre and 30 stores across London and the South East, replacing equivalent diesel trucks.

The battery-electric HGVs are part of the UK Government's eFREIGHT 2030 initiative, designed to decarbonise road freight by promoting the use of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and supporting infrastructure. As a founding member of the programme, M&S will gain valuable data on the performance of electric HGVs to guide future fleet decisions, while continuing to introduce cleaner fuels and lower-emission alternatives.

In addition to electric vehicles, M&S has introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) lorries to its Clothing & Home and Food logistics operations. This includes the UK’s first 6×2 CNG trucks and 50 4×2 CNG vehicles powered by biomethane, a renewable fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to diesel engines. Once operational, these 85 vehicles will account for nearly 10% of M&S’s transport fleet.

M&S remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint through innovation and collaboration. Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport, emphasised that adapting logistics operations is key to meeting sustainability goals while ensuring efficient delivery of products. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood praised M&S’s efforts, highlighting the government’s substantial investment in zero-emission technologies to support the transition to a greener future.

DB Schenker has unveiled remote-controlled forklifts at its contract logistics site in Kassel, Germany, marking a significant milestone in the company’s automation journey. Developed in collaboration with German start-up enabl Technologies, the forklifts are operated remotely by drivers via a cutting-edge platform, allowing for control of multiple vehicles across various locations. This innovation aims to enhance flexibility and boost operational efficiency.

As part of its broader digitalisation strategy, DB Schenker is leveraging automation to improve productivity and tackle challenges such as labour shortages and fluctuating demand. The partnership with enabl Technologies is a crucial step in modernising its logistics operations. A recently signed letter of intent between the two companies outlines plans to roll out the remote-controlled forklifts at international locations, cementing their commitment to advancing warehouse technology.

The introduction of this technology reflects DB Schenker’s dedication to staying ahead in the evolving logistics landscape. By integrating remote-controlled forklifts, the company continues to position itself as a leader in digital innovation within the sector. These forklifts eliminate the need for on-site drivers, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of enabl’s solutions.

DB Schenker’s Vice President of Global Engineering and Innovation, Lucas Mömken, emphasised that the collaboration with enabl enhances process automation and ensures competitiveness. Enabl Technologies CEO Julian Wadephul highlighted the system’s proven reliability and its role in setting new standards for warehouse automation globally.

The UK has become the first country to enshrine a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate into law, aiming for 10% of all jet fuel to be sustainable by 2030. Announced on 1st January, the mandate requires at least 2% of jet fuel for UK departures to be sustainable by 2025, with SAF derived from sources like cooking oil and household waste. The move is part of the government’s green aviation strategy to reduce emissions.

Plans include producing 1.2 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2030, enough to fuel 3,000 flights around the globe. Aviation Minister Mike Kane described the mandate as a significant step towards making aviation greener and more sustainable. He highlighted the industry’s growing popularity and its potential to create thousands of jobs within the UK’s SAF sector.

The Jet Zero Task Force, which first met in December, will guide the mandate’s implementation and explore pathways to cleaner aviation. A revenue scheme has also been introduced to attract investment in SAF plants across the UK, ensuring the industry’s growth and innovation.

Industry leaders welcomed the mandate but emphasised the need for expanded feedstock options and cost-reduction measures. Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, stressed that clear revenue mechanisms are essential to scale up SAF production while keeping costs manageable for airlines and consumers.

Fleet operators are struggling with the shift to electric vans due to high upfront costs and insufficient charging infrastructure, according to a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero report conducted by TRL. Despite policies phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030, the move to electrify commercial vans is progressing slower than expected.

The report, EV Adoption and Smart Charging for Electric Vans and Commercial Fleets, highlights operational issues. Fleet operators rely on overnight depot or home charging due to limited public infrastructure, long wait times, and inconsistent availability. Electric vans are mainly used for shorter routes, with operators cautious about range limitations, particularly for heavily loaded vehicles, as real-world performance often falls short of advertised ranges.

Smaller fleets face significant financial barriers, with the cost of installing depot chargers and upgrading power supplies proving prohibitive. Driver reluctance adds to the challenge, with concerns over range anxiety, logistical difficulties with home charging, and a lack of financial incentives slowing adoption. Inconsistent public charging further complicates mid-shift charging for many fleets.

The report calls for expanded grants for depot infrastructure upgrades, incentives for shared charging facilities, and dedicated public charge points for commercial vehicles. It also suggests providing better real-world range data, simplifying smart charging adoption, and fostering collaboration within the industry to share solutions and best practices.