GRIDSERVE: Milestone Hit in UK’s Electric HGV Integration

A key milestone in the UK’s quest for a zero-carbon freight system has recently been hit.

Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE have published the second report of the Electric Freightway Project.

This initiative plays a crucial role in the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, which enjoys the backing of the UK's Department for Transport and Innovate UK.

Its core mission is to boost the integration of electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) into the mainstream, in line with the nation’s goals to achieve a net-zero status.

Expanding the eHGV network

The Electric Freightway Project, led by GRIDSERVE, comprises a consortium of more than 30 partners.

These partners have been actively engaged in the design, demonstration and deployment of necessary infrastructure for eHGVs across the UK.

The latest report showcases considerable developments since the first project update in March 2024. Notable advancements include the adoption of eHGVs by major fleet operators like Samworth Brothers, Boughey, A.F. Blakemore and Son and United Utilities, with several other companies lining up for their fleet expansion.

These developments signal a robust move towards adopting electric vehicles in commercial transportation, enhancing the practicality and real-world application of eHGVs across the UK’s freight industry.

Tapping into data for enhanced efficiency

At the forefront of the Electric Freightway initiative is the advanced data analytics platform provided by Hitachi ZeroCarbon.

This powerful tool gives a precise comparison between traditional diesel HGVs and their electric counterparts, providing fleet owners critical insights concerning efficiency, emission rates and cost effectiveness.

"Our analysis of environmental benefits alongside total cost of ownership will help provide a strong investment case for future eHGV deployments."

"We fundamentally believe that smart, actionable data can underpin enhanced battery health, fleet route planning and charging sessions, accelerating electrification. We are enabling logistics companies to compare total cost of ownership to make the investment case for transitioning their fleets to EVs."

This data is invaluable in illustrating the concrete benefits of switching to an electric fleet, aiding businesses in making well-informed decisions regarding their transportation logistics.

Charging ahead with infrastructure development

One of the pivotal elements highlighted in the latest report is the collective progress made on infrastructure especially designed for eHGVs.

In partnership with GRIDSERVE, the project has prioritised establishing robust charging solutions, including depot-based and high-power public charging stations that are poised to become operational soon.Commercial Lead of GRIDSERVE, Sam Clarke, shares his optimism about the project's trajectory.

"With Electric Freightway, we are writing the rulebook on the development and deployment of public and private eHGV infrastructure in real-time."

The meticulous planning undertaken involves thorough feasibility analysis, sites surveys and consultations with stakeholders — ensuring that the infrastructure developed is competently equipped to support eHGVs in the UK’s logistical framework seamlessly.

Aligning government and industry for net zero goals

Significant collaboration between governmental bodies and industry stakeholders is visible in projects like the Electric Freightway.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood says: "Electric HGVs will play a large part in the future of our freight industry, so it's fantastic to see the successes of the projects detailed in this report.

"A greener transport network is a key priority for this government, so our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero-emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight."

A roadmap to zero emission freight

The Electric Freightway Project demonstrates a definitive path towards a sustainable, zero-emission freight network in the UK.

As the project progresses, with further eHGV deployments, new infrastructure setups and comprehensive data analytics, the industry stands on the brink of innovative changes destined to overhaul how freight is transported across the country, steering us towards a greener, more viable future.

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