Hitachi ZeroCarbon and Gridserve have released the second report from the Electric Freightway Project, detailing the ongoing progress of the initiative aimed at electrifying HGVs to support the UK’s net zero targets. The project, funded by the Department for Transport and developed with Innovate UK, seeks to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of electric HGVs (eHGVs) and to establish the necessary infrastructure.
Led by Gridserve, Electric Freightway is part of the UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme. This second report follows the initial publication in March 2024, which outlined the project’s objectives. The latest update highlights the progress made in testing, infrastructure design, and implementation, and includes the following milestones:
- Deployment of eHGVs: Project partners A.F. Blakemore and Son, Samworth Brothers, Boughey, and United Utilities have integrated eHGVs into their fleets. Additional partners have placed orders for eHGVs and are awaiting delivery.
- Data-centric approach: Hitachi ZeroCarbon has developed a data analytics platform to assess and compare the performance of diesel HGVs versus eHGVs. Data from this platform, set to be included in future reports, will provide insights to accelerate electrification efforts across the industry.
- Industry insights: Surveys and interviews with senior managers and HGV drivers were conducted to gauge perceptions of eHGVs, including potential benefits such as reduced noise and emissions, and concerns over range and charging access.
- Charging infrastructure design: Gridserve, leading the consortium, has designed both depot-based and public high-power charging stations specifically for eHGVs. The first stations are expected to be operational in the coming months.
The report underscores the complexities of building a national eHGV network, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts across industry and government. In particular, the consortium has worked to secure suitable sites for charging stations, addressing technical and logistical challenges, including viability studies, stakeholder engagement, and network capacity assessments.
The role of digital tools is also a key focus, with Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s platform set to provide crucial data for fleet operators, allowing them to compare Total Cost of Ownership for eHGVs versus diesel options. Leon Clarke, Head of Operations and Delivery at Hitachi ZeroCarbon, commented on the platform’s potential, saying, “Our analysis of environmental benefits alongside total cost of ownership will help provide a strong investment case for future eHGV deployments. We believe smart, actionable data can improve battery health, route planning, and charging efficiency, accelerating fleet electrification.”
Sam Clarke, Gridserve’s Commercial Lead, emphasised the project’s importance: “With Electric Freightway, we are writing the rule-book on the development and deployment of public and private eHGV infrastructure in real-time. 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."
He added that since the last report, tangible progress has been made through extensive planning and preparations to deliver "our first milestones of getting eHGVs on the road, and charging stations deployed".
"This report keeps us honest and accountable, and shows our diligence in creating infrastructure which will ensure we deliver world-leading transport infrastructure that is fit for the future," concluded Clarke.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood praised the initiative: “Electric HGVs will play a significant role in the future of our freight industry, so it’s fantastic to see the progress detailed in this report. Our demonstrator programme is vital for scaling up zero emission HGVs and building the necessary infrastructure to decarbonise road freight. This is an excellent example of industry and government working together to reach Net Zero.”
To read the report in full, click here, and for more information about Electric Freightway, click here.
