The Co-op has unveiled plans to replace its fleet of fossil-fuel powered home delivery vans with electric vehicles by 2025.

The retail giant said it was accelerating zero emission deliveries, starting with stores in Hebden Bridge and Holmfirth in Yorkshire, and Hove in Sussex this month, followed by those in Ryde, Isle of Wight and Whitby early next year.

The Renault vehicles will be used to deliver groceries ordered through the Co-op’s online shop.

Chris Conway, head of ecommerce at the Co-op, said: “Our focus is to continue to innovate and look for new and better ways to do business in our communities and to expand access to our products and services.

“In addition to offering quality and value quickly, easily and conveniently, we need to do this sustainably, and by replacing all our own vehicles and working collaboratively with partners with shared values we can ensure we further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is essential if we are to have a healthy and sustainable natural environment to pass on to future generations.”