DFDS is expanding its electric heavy-duty truck operations in the UK, enhancing its leadership in sustainable transport.
- The company will deploy 10 new Volvo FM and FH electric models across England and Ireland.
- DFDS, already a leader in Europe, aligns its UK ambitions with its extensive experience in low-emission vehicles.
- Challenges persist, particularly in developing necessary charging infrastructure.
- DFDS’s participation in initiatives aims at accelerating the decarbonisation of HGVs across the UK.
DFDS is significantly expanding its presence in the UK by deploying a fleet of 10 Volvo FM and FH electric trucks. This move is intended to solidify its position as a major player in sustainable heavy-duty transportation within the region, specifically targeting east and northwest England as well as Ireland.
Allan Bell, Vice President and Head of DFDS Logistics in the UK & Ireland, emphasised the company’s commitment to a low-emission future for road transport. He stated, “DFDS wants to drive the transition to low-emission road transport. We are pleased to be deploying electric trucks in the UK, which will enable us to support more companies that want to decarbonise their supply chains.” His words underline the widespread interest and demand from UK companies for sustainable logistics solutions.
The introduction of these electric models is backed by DFDS’s experience in operating the largest fleet of electric heavy goods vehicles (e-HGVs) in Europe, spanning various countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Germany. In 2023 alone, this fleet has travelled over 1.2 million miles, leading to a significant reduction of CO2e emissions by 2,112 tonnes, demonstrating their potential in reducing environmental impact.
Despite these advancements, Bell acknowledges existing challenges, particularly the need for robust infrastructure to support electric vehicles. He noted, “There are still challenges ahead and we need to work together across sectors to be successful, for example in setting up charging infrastructure, but DFDS is committed to do whatever we can to push the development forward.”
DFDS is not only focusing on its own fleet’s electrification but is also part of the Zero Emission Northern (ZEN) freight consortium. This consortium aims to develop a network of hydrogen refuelling and electric charging stations across the UK, addressing the infrastructure challenge.
Further commitment is shown in DFDS’s strategic target to electrify at least 25% of its truck fleet by 2030. This ambition is supported by initiatives like the eFREIGHT 2030 trial, designed to evaluate the performance of electric heavy goods vehicles under demanding conditions.
In a broader context, DFDS’s acquisition of D.R Macleod, a renowned haulier in the Scottish Highlands, underscores its strategic expansion, reinforcing its logistics and transport capabilities.
Through strategic deployments and partnerships, DFDS is advancing the UK’s transition toward sustainable transport.
