UK based electrical retailer, AO, announced the company has invested over £2 million in improving the capacity of its fleet while also reducing carbo emissions.

The electrical retailer said they are transitioning their fleet of tractor units from diesel to more environmentally friendly compressed natural gas (CNG) with a goal to have 90% of its vehicles running on CNG by 2030.

CNG works as a vehicle fuel by being extracted, processed, compressed, stored, and then delivered to the engine for combustion and it consists mainly of Methane.

The fuel is not zero emissions but produces significantly less Carbon Dioxide compared to gasoline and diesel.

AO originally purchased 10 CNG tractor units in 2022 and the Bolton-based company has now brought 10 more into its fleet.

According to AO the switch will enable a reduction of up to 85% in CO2 emissions, compared to the existing diesel fleet.  

To couple with the tractor units, AO has also acquired 20 longer moving deck double deck semi-trailers (LSTs) from Cheshire business Tiger Trailers.

David Ashwell, group logistics director at AO, said: “We are proud to be continuing our move to a more sustainable future that will hopefully see 90% of our fleet running on CNG by 2030.

“These tractor units and the new LSTs allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and save on costs. Crucially it significantly increases our capacity, which enables us to deliver even better service to our customers.”

AO said the LSTs are 2.05 metres longer than the standard trailers used by the company, allowing for a 10% increase in capacity, as appliances can be double stacked on both lower and upper decks, as well as loaded four products wide if desired.