SAINSBURY’S is to be the first major UK retailer to use battery power for home shopping delivery, after signing a deal with Europe’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer.

Sainsbury’s has bought a zero emission, battery powered delivery truck from Smith Electric Vehicles.

The Faraday model will be used for pioneering home shopping delivery trials in London, in a partnership between Sainsbury’s, Smith Electric Vehicles and refrigerated vehicle solutions provider, Petit Forestier.

Darren Kell, business development director for The Tanfield Group, which owns Smith Electric Vehicles, said: ‘We are delighted that Sainsbury’s has become the first major retailer to invest in our new electric vehicle technology for its home delivery fleet.

‘Sainsbury’s is serious about reducing vehicle emissions and has invested considerable resources in searching for a practical, cost effective solution. We are confident that our electric vehicles are viable for urban home shopping delivery and expect that other retailers will follow our lead.’

Faraday has a top speed of 50mph, a range of up to 120 miles between battery charges and a payload of up to 4,000kg. It has a fast charge facility that replaces 80% of the battery power in less than an hour.