British Retailer Tesco Deploying MODEC Electric Vans
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 08.19.07
When we last encountered MODEC's sleek line of EV vans, they had just been introduced in Britain and were being trumpeted for their "economically, ergonomically, and environmentally friendly" technology. Now it seems as though they're finally seeing some real action on the road as part of British supermarket-chain extraordinaire Tesco's home delivery fleet.
As the first major company to invest in MODEC's vans, Laura Wade-Gery — the CEO of the chain's online presence — didn't pull any punches in boasting of Tesco's bold green step forward: "Tesco has made a commitment to significantly reduce CO2 emissions throughout the business, and we’re very proud to be the first company to invest in this new van technology, helping to create a low-carbon society." According to MODEC, its zero-emission vans will each save 21 tons of carbon dioxide a year — a figure they equate with driving 51,000 miles in a standard car.
Each van will be equipped with eutectic refrigeration panels — filled with brines and a refrigerant gas — that will be re-charged every night to retain their low temperature during the day. Compared to conventional refrigeration units, these panels are less likely to leak damaging hydrofluorocarbon gas (HFC).
Another plus: once the vans finally reach the end of their working lives, company officials estimate that over 90% of each should be recyclable.
Via ::AutoblogGreen: Meet the MODEC: Electric Delivery Van (blog), ::MODEC News: First TESCO MODECS hit the road in Shrewsbury (press release)
See also: ::Modec Electric Van Now on the Road
As interesting as this is, I'm more interested in the refrigeration unit!
Sounds like a way to make a residential chiller to improve A/C efficiency with a smaller than the normal large chilled water tank. :)
This seems like a great first step forawrd. But surely the majority of Tesco's transport is long-haul - either by road, plane or ship? They need to do something about that as well otherwise this just seems like a token gesture.
Or, echoing JC, a large-sized cooling system for office buildings...
(But the idea of a fleet of electric trucks is great. Maybe that'll happen over here in the States.)
I wonder if these can be adapted for human transport. I mean that would be great for like the vans that take you places at airports.
adam, should they take their second step before their first?
Are these trucks available in the U.S.? Or is there another company that sells EV trucks in the U.S.? Looking to buy a new delivery truck for my supermarket store as well, here in NYC