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The largest emission-free commercial delivery truck in the UK has been received by high street shopping chain TK Maxx in conjunction with DHL Exel Supply Chain. "The introduction of our first electric vehicle is a significant milestone for us," says Simon Barker, vice president, Logistics at TK Maxx.

"It confirms our intent to take real responsibility for our role within global climate change issues. We continue to invest in, and drive for, innovative solutions to reduce our C0² emissions  and are excited about the potential this has for our fleet." The 10-tonne Smith Newton vehicle, built on Smith's new Gen4 chassis, has a body length of 7.5m, a 5.1m wheelbase and an overall length of 9.2m. This gives it a cargo payload of over 4,000kg, allowing it to hold 21 Euro pallets of goods.

"Both TK Maxx and DHL are making a significant investment in this vehicle, which will play an integral operational role within the retailer's supply chain," says Paul Richardson, managing director Department Stores & Fashion UK and Europe, DHL Exel Supply Chain. The truck will be based in TK Maxx's cross dock centre at Heathrow and will serve stores across West London, including Kew, Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith.

It is fitted with five suitcase-sized, 276-volt Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries that power a 120kW motor, giving a top speed of 50mph. After it has been fully charged over a six- to eight-hour period, the vehicle has a range of up to 200km. It also has an onboard  charger that means it can be recharged anywhere with a conventional three-phase electricity supply. The body is designed to reduce drag and the panels are constructed from lightweight recycled plastics. The truck is also fitted with a regenerative braking system that recharges the battery when the vehicle slows.