Wren Kitchens adds 10 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks

Wren Kitchens has taken delivery of 10 fully electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 tractor units as part of its plans to decarbonise its UK logistics operation.

The trucks were supplied by Mercedes-Benz Trucks dealer Rygor Auto and mark the kitchen retailer’s first move into electric heavy goods logistics. Wren said the delivery formed the first phase of a longer-term transition towards an all-electric HGV fleet under its positive planet roadmap.

Phil Bennett, national fleet manager at Wren Kitchens, said: “Maintaining our industry-leading delivery performance while improving safety and reducing emissions is critical, and the eActros 600s allow us to do all three. They’re equipped with the latest safety systems and give our drivers a significantly enhanced working environment.”

The initial roll-out has been supported by funding from the Department for Transport’s £1bn zero-emission vehicle programme. Wren has also invested in dedicated on-site charging infrastructure designed to allow simultaneous charging and provide operational flexibility across the fleet.

Each eActros 600 has an installed battery capacity of 621kWh, of which 600kWh is usable, and a stated range of at least 500km and up to 750km. The trucks can recharge from 20% to 80% in around an hour using 400kW DC rapid charging.

Wren said the 10 vehicles would collectively save around 580 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Chris Carter, fleet sales consultant at Rygor Auto, said: “Helping to enable Wren to work towards its positive planet roadmap with eActros has been a real privilege for the team at Rygor. As a long-established customer of Rygor’s, we continue to be proud to work alongside such a highly regarded national business, and especially one so committed to lowering emissions and building a more sustainable future for its operations. We truly believe the eActros sets the benchmark and is a perfect partner for the company’s journey towards a fully electrified HGV operation.”

The eActros 600 delivers up to 600kW of peak power and includes regenerative braking and Predictive Powertrain Control. Its ProCabin design is intended to improve aerodynamics and driver comfort.