A new report commissioned by Transport Scotland has identified key locations for charging infrastructure to support the transition to zero-emission Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) across Scotland. 

The study, conducted by Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, provides crucial insights for road transport operators planning their shift to greener fleets.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, emphasised the importance of this research for guiding investment: “This signals to private charge point companies and electrical distribution network operators where focused investment can bring improvements for the areas that need it most.”

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The study found that all routes are feasible if both depot and en route charging are available.                    Photo credit: Shutterstock

Key findings for road transport operators:

  1. Viable Electric Operations: The research confirms that most short-haul freight deliveries can already be completed without additional charging stops using electric HGVs.
  2. Critical Charging Corridors: The A9 (Stirling-Inverness), A90 (Perth-Aberdeen), and M74 (Glasgow-Carlisle) have been identified as critical freight corridors requiring charging infrastructure.
  3. Strategic Charging Locations: ‘Hot spot’ locations for electric truck charging points include:
    • Dalwhinnie (Scottish Highlands)
    • Ballinluig (Perth and Kinross)
    • Stracathro (Angus)
    • Abington (South Lanarkshire)
    • Annandale Water (Dumfries and Galloway)
  4. Existing infrastructure utilisation: Where possible, charging points will be positioned at existing locations such as truck stops, lorry parks, ports, and transport hubs like container storage terminals.
  5. Grid upgrades needed: Several electrical substations will likely need upgrading to cope with increased vehicle charging, especially during peak periods. Critical locations include Milnathort, Inchbare, Symington, Kirkwall, and Ullapool.
  6. Hydrogen refueling options: The study also modeled hydrogen refueling stations, finding heavy usage potential along the A90 (Perth-Aberdeen) and M74 (Glasgow-Carlisle), with some potential in the central belt.

Implications for the freight industry:

Professor Phil Greening, Director of The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, said: “Electric trucks are already on our roads and most short haul freight deliveries can already be completed without any extra charging stops. But for all current freight routes in Scotland to be completed, charging points for electric HGVs need to be provided both at depots and along freight routes, particularly the most heavily used ones.”

The research used computer modeling and advanced analytics based on real-world data from 80,000 truck journeys over a 12-month period in Scotland, providing a robust foundation for infrastructure planning.

Future work and industry involvement:

  1. The researchers are seeking more journey data from HGV fleets to refine their model further.
  2. Additional investigation is planned for remote areas with fewer existing facilities, including the A9 north of Invergordon, Shetland, the A82, A83, and A77 to Cairnryan.
  3. An updated report is expected in 2025, incorporating new data and insights.

To download the report in full, click here. 

As the Content Editor for Freight Carbon Zero, Laura brings a wealth of journalism experience with her having earnt her reporter stripes on leading B2B titles including Flight International, Contract Journal, and CRN. With nine years spent at Road Transport Media (RTM), Laura carved out a name for herself in the road transport community breaking important industry news stories week after week as News Editor on Motor Transport, and then as Head of Content across the Road titles.View full Profile

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