BWG Foods has unveiled the latest addition to its award-winning sustainable distribution fleet, with Ireland’s first long-haul fully electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. This significant milestone in Ireland’s transition to sustainable logistics and transport was marked at a special event, hosted at BWG’s National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Kilcarbery, with Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney in attendance along with representatives from Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and Masterlink.
This is the second eActros vehicle to join BWG’s expanding zero-emissions fleet, reinforcing its ambitious sustainability agenda and responsibility as one of Ireland’s leading retail and wholesale groups which services over 1,000 stores nationwide. The Mercedes eActros 600, capable of travelling over 500km on a single charge, represents a transformative step forward for the Irish haulage industry. With zero tailpipe emissions and advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, the vehicle is designed to meet the demands of long-distance freight while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, said: “This is a significant milestone for Ireland’s transport and logistics sector. Through this investment and supported by the Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle (ZEHDV) Purchase Grant, BWG Foods is showing real leadership by investing in clean technology that supports our national climate goals while maintaining operational excellence. I commend their commitment to innovation and sustainability in serving communities and small businesses across Ireland every day.”
Michael Collins, BWG’s Chief Wholesale and Logistics Officer, said: “Today’s launch is a proud moment for BWG Foods and a clear demonstration of our commitment to leading the way in sustainable logistics. The eActros 600 is truly transformational for our operations and for the wider industry, proving that long-haul electric transport is not only possible but practical in Ireland. Through our increasingly sustainable fleet, our nationwide distribution network and in partnership with our retailers across the country, we’ll continue to deliver for our communities in pioneering best practices to reduce emissions along with increasing cost efficiencies.”
John O’Regan, Chief Executive Officer at Masterlink, added: “We are proud to partner with BWG Foods in delivering Ireland’s first long-haul electric HGV. The eActros 600 is engineered for performance, reliability and sustainability. This makes it an ideal solution for forward-thinking logistics operators like BWG.”
BWG Foods’ investment in electric transport is part of a wider sustainability programme across the Group which is contributing to the country’s broader climate action strategy. This is evident in BWG’s position as the current holder of the SEAI Energy Award for Transport, which celebrates excellence in sustainable and renewable energy across Ireland. BWG Foods’ Logistics Division has also been recognised for exemplary performance and innovation in low emissions transport based around its extensive Transport Decarbonisation Project, which delivered a superior sustainable distribution operation in servicing its nationwide network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis and XL convenience stores and supermarkets. BWG has also been commended for introducing Compressed Nation Gas (CNG) and biogas vehicles, providing a 90% CO2 reduction, to its fleet. A number of Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel alternatives have also been added to its fleet, providing a 70% CO2 reduction. The latest recognition came earlier this month when the BWG Foods’ logistics-and-transport team won Gold in the Transport and Logistics category at the Green Transformation Awar
