The road freight sector continues to accelerate its shift to zero-emission transport, with new trials and fleet strategies proving that electric and alternative-fuel trucks can deliver both commercial and environmental gains.
Amazon, Royal Mail and GXO back DfT eHGV trial proving diesel cost parity
The Government-backed Electric Freightway project has passed half a million zero-emission miles, showing that electric trucks can match — and often beat — diesel on total cost of ownership over five years. Led by Gridserve with Hitachi Zero Carbon, the trial unites more than 30 operators including Amazon, Royal Mail and GXO. Findings reveal diesel trucks produce up to three times more lifetime emissions, with higher upfront EV manufacturing emissions typically offset within a year. Infrastructure delivery is also ramping up, including a new 10-bay depot charging hub at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
Welch Group turns electrification into revenue
Welch Group is proving that going electric can generate income as well as savings. Partnering with Optimo Energy, the logistics operator has integrated depot charging, solar generation and battery storage into the National Energy System Operator’s flexibility market, earning revenue by supplying power back to the grid. The system’s predictive energy management reduces overheads and supports fleet expansion without expensive grid upgrades — a model showing how energy-smart depots can futureproof large-scale electrification.
AkzoNobel halves emissions with electric and HVO fleet
In partnership with XPO Logistics, AkzoNobel has deployed its first electric HGVs and a nationwide HVO-fuelled fleet, cutting its UK transport emissions by more than 50%, or roughly 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The initiative, part of the DfT’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, pairs electric trucks for urban routes with renewable-fuel vehicles for long-haul journeys. The dual-fuel approach supports AkzoNobel’s target to halve Scope 1 emissions by 2030 and demonstrates the practical role HVO can play as fleets transition to full electrification.