Pharmaceutical distribution goes electric in the UK
The UK pharmacy Boots is introducing a pilot programme with five electric Renault Kangoo ZE electric vans to deliver prescriptions in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Should the pilot prove successful, expansion across the UK is expected.
According to Eddie Storr, head of supply chain pharmacy at Boots UK, the amount of travel the company manages offers ample opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint through electrification: “Running more than 9,500 routes a week with a van fleet of 900, we are continually looking at ways to improve both the efficiency of our service and its environmental impact.”
In addition to attempting to electrify their fleet, Boots UK also introduced other measures to cut costs and improve their environmental impact, including steps to reduce mileage by improved route planning, as well as other measures to improve fuel efficiency. Currently the company has a van fleet of around 900 vehicles that cover more than 9,500 routes a week, which means there is ample opportunity for savings.
The pilot project is being supported by Nottingham City Transport’s Ultra Low Emission Vehicle’ Scheme, which has agreed to build additional charging stations on the Boots sites.
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