PepsiCo introduces electric vehicles into supply chain

The three-year partnership will see Einride connected electric trucks deployed between the Walkers manufacturing sites in Leicester and Coventry.

Einride’s electric truck fleet will cover more than 750,000 miles previously powered by fossil-fuels, saving PepsiCo the equivalent of more than 1,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Archana Jagannathan, head of sustainability at PepsiCo UK, said: “At PepsiCo, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business, with a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040 as part of our PepsiCo Positive agenda.​

The role of electric trucks

“Our partnership with Einride is a small yet important step towards that ambition, one that will help us drive meaningful progress in sustainable transport. With this initial deployment, we’re looking forward to better understanding the potential role electric trucks can play in our transport operations.”​

The PepsiCo partnership is the first step for Einride’s expansion into the UK, with plans to establish a regional freight mobility grid along the M1, M5 and M6 between London, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

Robert Falck, founder and chief executive of Einride, said: “The UK has always been at the forefront of transport history. The efficient and innovative movement of goods has consistently been integral to the growth and prosperity of the UK, with the British pioneering both the railway system and canal networks.​

‘Transport pioneer’

“We’re honoured to be here, teaming up with local partners to further establish the UK as a transport pioneer and ultimately help the country meet its net zero goals.”​

Today’s launch follows Einride’s 2022 expansion into Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway. It operates fleets for industry giants such as Maersk, AB InBev, Lidl and GE Appliances, a Haier company.

Since electrifying their road freight with Einride, partners have seen an up to 95% decrease in CO2 emissions while remaining cost competitive, according to the tech provider.