Co-op is spending £1.5 million on 50 electric vans to bring same-day grocery delivery to rural UK communities that Amazon and Deliveroo have largely ignored
Co-op is investing £1.5 million to expand its electric vehicle fleet for online grocery delivery, acquiring more than 50 new Toyota Proace City Electric compact vans.
This forms part of a move to upgrade and replace older vehicles while advancing the retailer’s carbon reduction and net zero ambitions.
The investment focuses on supporting Co-op’s Quick Commerce rapid delivery service, which enables fast, app-based online grocery orders fulfilled from local stores.
A key emphasis is extending reliable same-day or rapid delivery options to rural and outlying UK communities, where major players like Amazon and Deliveroo have historically provided limited or inconsistent coverage due to logistical challenges in less densely populated areas.
“This investment is another step toward reducing emissions from our fleet and lowering our impact on the climate, so we are delighted to take delivery of our new fleet of electric online home delivery vehicles,” said Anthony Molloy, Co-op Quick Commerce Delivery and Technology Manager.
While giants like Amazon have expanded same-day grocery options in recent years, primarily targeting urban and suburban zones, and Deliveroo partners with various retailers for quick deliveries, rural UK postcodes frequently remain underserved for ultrafast grocery fulfilment.
Co-op’s store-based model and this EV fleet boost position it to fill that gap, enhancing access to fresh groceries for members and customers in harder-to-reach locations.
The rollout supports Co-op’s broader growth in online and rapid delivery, helping extend its reach across the UK, including specific introductions in Scottish communities such as Auchterarder, Balloch, Banff, Beith, Buckie, Burntisland, Caol, Castle Douglas, Duns, Kilsyth, Larkhall, Lochgilphead, Lochore, Mallaig, New Machar, Stornoway, and Thurso.
This initiative underscores a growing trend among UK retailers to electrify last-mile delivery fleets, combining environmental progress with improved service equity in underserved regions.
