Aldi is trialling an all-electric refrigerated trailer as part of its efforts to reduce its carbon emissions.
The trailer converts kinetic energy into electricity to power the on-board batteries as the wheels turn, meaning products are kept cool – all while reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact.
The trailer can also be plugged into the electric point at Aldi’s regional distribution centre in Cheshire, and emits zero carbon emissions and particulate matters like smoke, dust or other substances that are damaging to the environment – along with low noise emissions.
The trial forms part of Aldi’s efforts to reduce lower carbon emissions in its lorry fleet. The retailer is currently trialling more environmental fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
From this year, all new trailers will also be fitted with solar mats to help power them, as well as to track the solar energy and CO2 savings they create.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We want to do as much as possible to reduce our environmental impact. That’s why we have been carbon neutral since January 2019 and use energy from renewable sources.
“This latest step forms part of this commitment. We already have effective energy efficiency systems in place and are pleased to be taking this one step further by trialling the latest technology within our transport fleet.”