Aldi is trialling an electric refrigerated trailer in a bid to reduce its carbon emissions.

The vehicle turns kinetic energy into electricity, which then powers the on-board batteries as the wheels turn. This keeps products cool and reduces energy consumption.

The electric trailer can be plugged into an electric point at the supermarket retailer’s distribution centre in Cheshire.

Aldi said that the trailer emits zero carbon emissions and particulate matters like smoke, dust, or other substances that are damaging to the environment.

It says that the trial forms part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions in its lorry fleet.

The retailer is also trialling more environmental fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

From this year, all of Aldi’s new trailers will also be fitted with solar mats to help power them, as well as to track the solar energy and CO2 savings they create.

“We want to do as much as possible to reduce our environmental impact. That’s why we have been carbon neutral since January 2019 and use energy from renewable sources,” said Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director, Aldi UK. “This latest step forms part of this commitment. We already have effective energy efficiency systems in place and are pleased to be taking this one step further by trialling the latest technology within our transport fleet.”

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