A number of UK fleets are deploying zero-emission trucks (eHGVs) as part of Government trials to make the country’s logistics sector more sustainable.
The Electric Freightway Project sees United Utilities, AF Blakemore & Son, Boughey and Samworth Brothers, all add eHGVs to their fleets, with more operators set to follow them.
The Electric Freightway Project, pioneered by Gridserve, is one element of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. The project is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Innovate UK.
The project consortium says it is making good progress in the design and implementation of eHGV infrastructure. Gridserve has consulted on eHGV charging, and has designed high-power charging stations for both depot and on-the-road charging. The first sites are expected to be operating imminently.
Gridserve’s Commercial Lead, Sam Clarke, says that with Electric Freightway: “We are in the process of creating a viable eHGV network at the lowest possible cost, in the fastest possible time frame, all with fleet managers and operators in mind.”
The sale of new diesel trucks up to 26 tonnes will end in 2035, while heavier diesel units will be unavailable after 2040.