LONDON (UK) – Rapid grocery delivery unit Ocado Zoom, which is owned by British online grocer Ocado Retail, has kickstarted the trial of electric-assisted and pedal-powered vehicles. This is part of a drive to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2035, said the firm on Tuesday.
A joint venture between Ocado Group and Marks & Spencer, Ocado Retail has thrived during the pandemic, clocking fourth-quarter revenue growth of 35%, as the popularity of online grocery shopping has reported a surge.
As per industry data, the online share of grocery spending has doubled from 7% before the crisis to about 14%. Ocado shares have more than doubled over the last year.
Ocado Zoom kickstarted its new vehicle trial on Jan. 28 at its site in Acton, west London, and said the initial customer feedback has been very positive.
“This trial is an important step in what I hope will be a rapid expansion of our non-emitting fleet,” said George Dean, head of Ocado Zoom.
Given the refrigeration capabilities of the vehicles, they can travel up to 40 miles.