Asda has launched a fleet of electric vehicles designed to increase the capacity of its online delivery and click-and-collect services as it continues to help feed the nation.

The grocer said it would be launching the electric vehicles from 48 stores to boost its online home delivery services, as Asda seeks to meet the increased demand for delivery during the coronavirus pandemic.

The retailer said the vehicles would also be used at stores to ferry goods to click-and-collect lockers, in turn freeing up delivery vans for home deliveries.

The vans can be charged on-site, have a 65km single-charge range and will cover 6km-8km delivery zones each day.

Senior director of operations development for online grocery at Asda, Emma Ford, said: “We are always looking for ways to innovate in areas where customers care, while still providing an excellent customer experience.

“These vehicles allow us to do this by increasing capacity for click-and-collect customers and enabling us to understand how we can better utilise electric vehicles across our fleet.”

The new fleet will also play a key role in helping Asda meet its target of reducing carbon emissions across its estate by 50% by 2025.