BWG Foods first to 'plug in' new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter

10/11/2020

BWG Foods, one of Ireland’s leading wholesale and retail groups, has become the first in Ireland to introduce the newly-launched electric-powered Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van to its distribution fleet.

With a range of 150km per charge, the zero-emission unit will soon be put through its paces servicing the company’s Dublin City centre retailers for smaller ’just-in-time’ orders.

Owners and operators of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, Londis, MACE and XL brands in the Republic of Ireland, BWG Foods claims to have one of the ‘greenest’ fleets in its industry, with a number of biogas fuelled and CNG powered trucks in operation. In what it says is a ‘further expansion of its ambitious sustainability strategy’, the company views the addition of the eSprinter as another major step towards becoming a leading climate change innovator in the Irish FMCG market place.

A further energy-saving move will see the company charge the electric van directly via solar panels installed on the roof of their Kilcarberry-based national distribution centre. BWG Foods estimates that deploying the eSprinter will save 20 tonnes of Co2 per year.

Commenting, Joanne Mellon, Logistics Director, BWG Foods said: “We are very passionate about finding new solutions that can reduce our environmental impact and it is critically important that we invest in new technologies that allow us to pioneer less carbon intensive methods of delivery. The addition of the eSprinter to our fleet for specific Dublin City centre deliveries is yet another exciting milestone on our journey.”

Praising BWG Foods for what he termed their ‘innovative and socially responsible decision’ to invest in this ground-breaking electric van operation, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager, Fergus Conheady said: “Investment in the e-sprinter is a further example of the responsible management style that has led BWG Foods to success in so many areas of its operations. The introduction by BWG Foods of electric-powered transport is one that will be welcomed by customers and public whilst setting an example to others whose logistical needs are similar.”