- UK supply chain firm, Wincanton, has received the first of 24 electric trucks to join its logistics fleet, as it looks to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
- The new electric HGVs will be supplied by multiple manufacturers, including DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks, and Renault Trucks.
- The demonstration fleet comes as part of Wincanton’s participation in the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, which looks to evaluate the future viability of eHGVs.
Another UK logistics firm set to adopt electric trucks
The new electric trucks will begin operating in Wincanton’s fleet this summer, with each truck capable at operating at over 40 tonnes, allowing them to take on a variety of loads. From the future results of this smaller-scale rollout, Wincanton hopes to gain insights on how to decarbonise its logistics fleet on a larger scale.
To support the arrival of these new electric trucks, Wincanton is also rolling out depot-based truck charging infrastructure at sites around the UK, in partnership with Voltempo and GRIDSERVE. This depot focus suggests Wincanton plans for these trucks to charge at destinations, rather than mid-journey, but the rollout of public truck charging infrastructure from firms such as Milence are set to allow eHGV operators such as Wincanton to take on even longer routes.
Wincanton joins a growing list of UK firms either adopting or trialling electric HGVs, with firms such as DPD and Royal Mail also gearing up for an electrified future.
Carl Hanson, Managing Director of Transport at Wincanton, commented:
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, with collaboration fundamental to achieving our net zero goals.
By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we’re cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers. And, with these HGVs marking a major step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain, this important milestone will help us learn and adapt for the future. We can’t wait to see the new trucks in action.
Low-emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics, but widespread adoption is still years away. In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlocking greener supply chains hinges on collaboration and optimisation.”
Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility, at Innovate UK, added:
“It’s great to see Wincanton take delivery of 24 electric HGVs. We look forward to the real-world demonstrations and collaboration as part of Project Electric Freightway eFREIGHT 2030, under the wider ZEHID programme, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector.
Innovate UK is proud to support this pioneering effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
