Autec Rides Lotte Mart's 'Ocado' Logistics Innovation... Supplies 101 Electric Refrigerated Trucks

Special-purpose vehicle manufacturer Autec has completed the development and large-scale supply of electric refrigerated trucks optimized for Lotte Mart's advanced online logistics system, Ocado, accelerating its push into the eco-friendly logistics vehicle market.

Autec announced on August 14 that it supplied an initial batch of 101 "Autec ST1 Refrigerated Trucks"—electric refrigerated vehicles—to Lotte Mart’s Ocado-powered online grocery distribution center.

The company emphasized that this project goes beyond simple vehicle supply, as it involved joint vehicle development tailored to the client’s logistics operations, eco-friendly vehicle registration, mass production, and delivery—covering the entire process.

After signing a business agreement with Lotte Mart in 2023, Autec began developing electric refrigerated trucks optimized for next-generation online grocery delivery. Based on the ST1 electric vehicle platform, the trucks were designed to meet the delivery environment requirements of the Ocado logistics system.

During development, the company focused on optimizing the refrigeration units and vehicle system to maintain food freshness, as well as maximizing loading efficiency, refrigeration performance, and safety. Multiple design iterations, prototype production rounds, and performance evaluations were conducted to ensure stable operation in real-world delivery environments.

Notably, Autec had to complete vehicle production and delivery in time for the opening of the logistics center, which required a strong focus on securing components for large-scale supply, productivity, and quality stability. Autec's development and production departments, as well as procurement, quality, certification teams, and partners including refrigeration unit manufacturers, participated in all aspects of the project.

This supply of 101 vehicles is being recognized as evidence of Autec’s ability to execute large-scale eco-friendly special purpose vehicle projects. The company has been steadily investing in R&D and facilities for electric specialty vehicles as part of efforts to convert conventional small logistics trucks running on internal combustion engines to eco-friendly alternatives.

In 2026, Autec also passed the newly introduced Ministry of Environment electric vehicle project operator evaluation, further proving its competence in eco-friendly specialty vehicle manufacturing and management. The company plans to strengthen its capabilities in product development and supply to respond to the expanding eco-friendly commercial vehicle market.

An Autec official stated, "This Ocado project is significant because it involved not only supplying vehicles but also developing them in line with the client's new logistics system and carrying out the entire process up to real-world operation. We will continue to develop eco-friendly commercial vehicles and smart logistics solutions in response to the domestic eco-friendly logistics market."

The official added, "We also plan to pursue global expansion by broadening technology transfers and strategic business agreements with companies in welfare-advanced nations such as the United States and Australia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.