Domino’s introduces electric mopeds into delivery fleet

Domino's is currently working on setting science-based targets

Domino’s will use the electric mopeds across 15 London locations as it builds towards a target of making two-thirds of its delivery fleet fully electric by the end of 2022.

The scooters have been provided by NIU, following a trial in October. The vehicles replace petrol alternatives and feature two lithium-ion batteries that are chargeable within four hours.

Domino’s has also introduced charging infrastructure at relevant stores and is rolling out educational videos to ensure the vehicles are used safely.

NIU’s store manager Mike Johnson said: “With the right training and charging setup, electric scooters can be safe, practical, and more cost-effective and sustainable than petrol alternatives.”

Domino’s has been under pressure to beef up its sustainability efforts, with the investor group FAIRR working with the brand and the likes of McDonald’s and Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, to set new climate targets.

The company’s environmental policy states that it is in the “process of setting a science-based target to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to less than 1.5C”. The target will use 2020 as the baseline and will cover direct and indirect emissions as well as those from supply chain activities.

Last year, the company invested in biodiesel and fossil-fuel-free, hydrotreated-vegetable-oil-fuel-compatible (HVO) vehicles, alongside new hybrid electrical refrigeration components on new heavy goods vehicles.

Fast-food frenzy for EVs

Domino’s joins a host of food delivery firms in turning to electric vehicles (EVs).

In 2019, Deliveroo partnered with electric moped rental firm Elmovo to launch a zero-emission scooter hire scheme for its London-based riders. Elsewhere, Just Eat is now supplying couriers with electric mopeds and bikes across London and Birmingham.

Just Eat’s first major foray into this market came in 2018, when it launched a discount scheme for restaurant partners looking to switch to electric mopeds and renewable energy.

Ocado has launched a trial of EVs for its rapid grocery delivery service in the heart of London, as part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to reaching net-zero emissions.

Ocado Zoom, part of the delivery service arm owned by Ocado Retail, will trial electric-assisted and pedal-powered vehicles at its site in Acton, West London. The vehicles are a mix of electric refrigerated vans and pedal-powered cargo bikes which can travel up to 40 miles. Ocado claims that every vehicle is zero-emission and every delivery made with them replaces the need for a petrol alternative. The company has also committed to opening more sites in London by 2025.

Matt Mace

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