Woods Foodservice has introduced 12 Ford E-Transit L4 vans into its fleet, each equipped with bespoke multi-temperature storage and rooftop solar panels to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Supplied by Progreen – the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels arm of Prohire – the new vehicles are part of Woods Foodservice’s wider commitment to replace its entire Euro-6 fleet with electric vans by the end of the 2025 financial year. The business has already invested in electric company cars and the latest vans will begin operation within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The refrigerated vans offer multiple storage zones, including chilled, ambient and frozen compartments, enabling more efficient deliveries with fewer vehicles. The addition of solar panels helps reduce the draw on the vans’ batteries by powering freezer units, extending operational range. All 12 vehicles are also fitted with Geotab telematics to monitor performance, track CO2 savings and support cost reduction.

Wayne Gregory, operations manager at Woods Foodservice, said: “Since receiving our new bespoke multi-temperature van design, we’ve seen a significant boost in efficiency. Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient and fresh produce, all in one vehicle, has streamlined our operations. The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans – cutting our diesel fuel usage by 35%. The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van’s range.”

Michelle Miles, head of Progreen, added: “This is the ideal solution for Woods Foodservice and we’re thrilled to support them in their mission to become the UK’s leading net zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.”