Electric Freightway is navigating significant challenges in the UK’s net zero truck trial.
- Despite deploying 18 electric trucks, there are no charging stations installed yet due to bureaucratic delays.
- The Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration aims for 220 charging stations and 140 trucks.
- Operators are limited to simpler routes, delaying ambitious long-haul plans.
- Fleet expansion is underway despite infrastructure setbacks, highlighting electric vehicle demand.
Electric Freightway, a key player in a government-backed initiative, is striving to overcome substantial bureaucratic challenges in deploying charging infrastructure for electric trucks. Currently, the consortium has yet to install any charging stations, despite successfully putting 18 electric trucks on the road in its first year, with an additional 70 in the pipeline. The delay is primarily attributed to the complexities involved in coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), landlords, and contractors.
Part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration (ZEHID) Programme, this initiative aims to establish 220 high-power charging points across 30 sites and release 140 electric trucks for diverse operational environments, including long-haul routes. So far, ground surveys have begun, but no charging points are operational, necessitating that operators use their electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) on less demanding routes. As infrastructure develops and operators gain confidence, operations will expand into more challenging areas. Some operators, however, are eager to push their vehicles beyond current limits. For instance, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain undertook a notable 623-mile journey using a solar-powered refrigerated trailer within just 10 days of operation.
Early participants such as A.F. Blakemore & Son, Samworth Brothers Supply Chain, Boughey, and United Utilities have started running the first batch of ZEHID-funded eHGVs. Meanwhile, logistics giants like Amazon, GXO, Kuhne + Nagel, Maritime, Royal Mail, Wincanton, and XPO are preparing to launch their fleets soon. Future plans include shared charging facilities at Nissan’s Sunderland site for companies like BCA, Fergusons Transport, and Yusen Logistics, who have placed orders for electric trucks. The current fleet consists of Volvo FM Electric models, capable of towing loads between 40 and 44 tonnes, but further variety, including models from Renault, DAF, and Daimler, is anticipated as the project develops.
Fleet managers face challenges in aligning vehicle procurement with infrastructure development timelines. Many have found that while acquiring the vehicles is relatively straightforward, installing the necessary chargers involves a more cumbersome process due to the required coordination among various parties. A sentiment shared by operators reflects a need to prioritise infrastructure development prior to vehicle procurement in future projects. There’s also an ongoing issue of customer expectations, with many clients reluctant to absorb the higher costs associated with fleet decarbonisation despite demanding greener operations.
Maintenance of these trucks has presented additional hurdles. Although electric trucks typically require less maintenance due to fewer mechanical parts compared to diesel models, initial experiences have revealed logistical challenges. The limited number of vehicles on the market can result in longer repair times due to scarce parts and skills, highlighting a need for improved support infrastructure as adoption grows.
Electric Freightway’s trial underscores significant hurdles in electrification infrastructure, yet demonstrates industry commitment to overcoming these obstacles.
