eFREIGHT 2030 at the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit

The Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit is an annual opportunity to track the progress of the industry’s transition to zero-emission solutions. It brings together operators, infrastructure providers, OEMs, trade bodies, academics and industry experts to explore the intricacies of decarbonisation.

Written by Trinity Francis

This year, speakers noted that the hardest step in their respective journeys has been going from a fully diesel fleet to introducing their first eHGV. Shared charging was seen as a crucial way to derisk the transition for fleets deploying their first electric trucks, but infrastructure remains a stubborn barrier across the industry. 

Up until now, findings from each ZEHID consortium have been published separately, but now the programme is in the demonstration phase, the first ZEHID annual report was published at the Summit. Alistair Barnes, senior programme manager – land and maritime transport at Innovate UK, said, “There’s a huge amount of learning on an individual level across various operators involved. It’s our duty to try and spread that out. 

“One aspect that I think is important to reflect on is that what we’re trying to do in this programme is to take the perceived risks around decarbonisation and understand where they are actual risks or just perceived risks. If we can separate that out, we can reduce the uncertainty.” 

Delays due to legals, grid connections and land permissions have unfortunately been a certainty for nearly every operator installing charging infrastructure. To help alleviate this, Voltempo showcased its mobile charging solution on the first day of the Summit. The unit has in-built bollards, can be moved around the yard with a forklift and attached to a 63 amp commando socket to charge vehicles at 40kW. 

Michael Boxwell, founder and corporate development officer at Voltempo, said, “One of the big learnings from eFREIGHT 2030 has been that getting the grid connection and getting energised can take an awful lot of time. For our mobile charger, you could get your electrician to come and set up a connection. You might need a minor grid upgrade, but once that’s set up, and that should be a few weeks, you can have your charging system in really quickly.

“It’s not a big scaled megawatt charging system, but it means you can get going pretty much straight away. As quickly as you can order the truck, you can have the charging infrastructure in. That size of charging is good for a couple of trucks. You can get it installed pretty much anywhere in the UK.” 

Infrastructure is key so fleets can start using and pushing their eHGVs. Barnes said, “Infrastructure really matters because range is not the same as reach. In some ways, vehicle range doesn’t matter too much if you’ve got infrastructure in the right place. As we’ve seen proved by Kuehne+Nagel earlier in the year when they took a vehicle to Germany from East Midlands Gateway, using both depot and public charging.”  

For the fleets that have been able to get their infrastructure up and running, utilisation is the next hurdle to make sure the investment is recouped as quickly as possible. Chris Welch, managing director at the Welch Group and Neil Durno, head of partnerships at Voltempo, hosted a session looking at the economics of shared charging. 

Welch said, “I look at it as a revenue centre, or look at it from the point of view of what it does for our own fleet as it grows. At the moment, because of the size of the infrastructure we’ve put in, it costs us more than running diesels. Price parity is about 37p/kWh, we are up at 40p/kWh because of the sheer amount of money we’ve had to put in.” 

This is where shared charging is expected to help the fleet to achieve parity with diesel before generating significant savings. By 2027, Welch plans to be running 12 eHGVs which equates to 18% of the company’s fleet. With 25 van charging and two eHGV charging sessions a day from visiting operators, Welch anticipates a £75k annual saving compared to diesel. Without guest charging, this flips to a loss of £9k compared to diesel, so the shared model is critical for profitability. 

By 2030, Welch hopes to increase guest charging sessions to at least 60 vans and five trucks a day. Combined with 35 of Welch’s own eHGVs, the annual saving against diesel is projected to hit £391k. This figure is modelled to more than double in the following five years to 2035, by which time the entire fleet of 65 trucks should be electric. By then, the goal is to host at least 75 van charges and 10 visiting eHGV charges a day. 

Speaking on the ‘Building confidence in the electric truck market’ panel the following day, Adam Purshall, fleet, procurement and operational systems director at Menzies Distribution Solutions, also noted the benefit of shared charging for both the home fleet and other operators. He said, “Utilisation is key. It’s an expensive asset, we want it running day and night, seven days a week, wherever we possibly can. 

“We’ve heard from various people about the costs that are very, very significant in getting power into these sites, so we have to use it. Our approach is that our core fleet has got to be primary, but outside of that, there are lots of growth opportunities to open that availability to anybody that wants to use it. I think that has to be the way that we collaborate.” 

 

Trinity Francis is a multi-award-winning international pan-automotive journalist & consulting editor.
 
www.trinitygfrancis.com 

Maritime Transport deploys five Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts in real-world operations

Maritime Transport has deployed five Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractor units through eFREIGHT 2030, with the vehicles forming part of its 56-strong eHGV fleet.

The vehicles are being operated through Maritime ZERO, a dedicated division established in 2025 to oversee Maritime Transport’s zero-emission activity across vehicles, charging infrastructure, software and data. The long-term aim is for Maritime ZERO to be fully integrated into Maritime’s day-to-day operation, rather than remain a separate division.

Initial deployments have included the company’s Wakefield and Avonmouth operations, with the trucks set to move around Maritime’s network as its zero-emission operation develops.

Chris Buck, EV Network Manager at Maritime Transport, said: “These new Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts have been put straight to work in our operation. If electric HGVs are going to become a viable alternative to diesel, we need to work them hard and understand exactly where and how they perform best.

“We’re currently using the Renault Trucks on first and final mile work from our rail terminals, where we know the routes, payloads and charging opportunities well. As we build our experience and charging network, we’ll continue to look at how we can increase their utilisation across the operation.”

 

Maritime began introducing eHGVs into its operation in January 2026 and has deliberately selected vehicles from a range of manufacturers, allowing the business to assess how different trucks perform under day-to-day operating conditions before making longer-term fleet decisions.

Tom Williams, Deputy CEO at Maritime Transport, explained: “Electric HGV technology is still developing and we don’t yet know which trucks will prove the best fit for every part of our operation. We wanted to cast the net wide and understand what is available from a range of manufacturers.

“Building that experience across different vehicles will help us better understand their performance and give us the evidence to inform future fleet decisions.”

Maritime’s extensive road and rail freight network gives the business a significant advantage in deploying eHGVs effectively. Long-distance container movements can be completed by rail – removing any range anxiety – with the E-Tech Ts undertaking the onward road leg from Maritime’s strategically located inland terminals.

Maritime’s growing charging network also gives the business increasing flexibility over how and where the vehicles are operated. While the Renault Trucks will predominantly charge overnight at their inland bases, there are opportunities to charge during the day when energy is often at its cheapest. As utilisation increases and the vehicles cover more miles, they will begin drawing on other charge points across Maritime’s national network.

Chris continued: “The more we run the eHGVs, the greater the potential operational and environmental benefit. We want to understand how far we can push them within the applications they are suited to, while continuing to learn where electric trucks can deliver most effectively.”

 

While Maritime remains at an early stage in its evaluation of the E-Tech Ts, initial experience has been positive, particularly in terms of reliability and driver acceptance.

Chris said: “Reliability has been very good so far, which is one of our most important KPIs. The truck has to perform on a par with, or better than, its diesel counterpart and remain available for work.

“The drivers have taken to them well too. There can be some caution when you introduce new technology or a different manufacturer, but once drivers get into electric trucks and experience them for themselves, that tends to disappear very quickly.”

Maritime is also using Renault Trucks’ Optifleet connected fleet management system to monitor the E-Tech Ts, providing data on vehicle efficiency, driver behaviour and vehicle location.

Chris added: “Optifleet gives us a lot of information and we can select what is most useful to us. Efficiency is particularly important with an electric truck, and the data adds to what we are learning operationally about how the vehicles perform.”

Over the longer term, Maritime will assess uptime and maintenance performance alongside battery degradation, vehicle longevity and residual values.

Tom explained: “Electric trucks represent a significant capital investment, so whole-life performance really matters. We need to understand how well the vehicles stand up over time, and those findings will be important when we come to assess the next phase of our fleet.”

As a lead contributor to eFREIGHT 2030, Maritime is playing a central role in building the real-world evidence that will determine where and how zero-emission HGVs can operate most effectively across UK logistics. The five E-Tech Ts will continue to operate throughout the five-year trial, generating performance data that will help inform the wider ZEHID programme.

Welch’s Transport powers up Cambridge site with new megawatt eHGV charging hub

Six-bay Voltempo HyperCharger hub goes live at Welch’s Transport HQ through eFREIGHT 2030, as pioneering family haulier combines investment in electric freight with commercial growth

Welch’s Transport has opened a new megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub at its Cambridge headquarters as part of eFREIGHT 2030.  Powered by Voltempo’s HyperCharger technology, the new Duxford hub features six high-power charging bays, with two full-length drive-in, drive-out bays for complete tractor and trailer combinations and four tractor-unit bays, delivering up to 1MW of power dynamically distributed across the site.

The Cambridge hub joins Welch’s six bay 1MW charging hub at Bedford, also delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, giving the family-owned operator high-power charging infrastructure across both of its depots.

Welch’s began its electric HGV journey in 2023 with a 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide. In October 2024, it became the first operator to put an electric tractor unit on the road through eFREIGHT 2030, introducing the first of two 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T delivered through the programme. Further investment has seen a third E-Tech T and a DAF electric tractor unit join the fleet, with three 28-tonne Renault Trucks E-Techs also on order. By January 2027, 12% of Welch’s fleet will be electric.

The early investment in electric trucks and charging infrastructure forms part of Welch’s long-term commitment to zero emission freight and its strategy for commercial growth. The 90-year-old, fourth-generation family haulier recently reported record profits following a series of major contract wins, with its sustainability credentials playing an increasingly important role in securing new business.

Chris Welch, Managing Director, Welch Group, said: “We made the decision early on that we wanted to be at the forefront of electric freight, but it has always had to make commercial sense. We’ve invested in the trucks, learned how to operate them in the real world and now have the high-power infrastructure at Cambridge and Bedford to support the next stage.

“We’re growing the business and winning significant new contracts, with our sustainability credentials increasingly important to customers. Our investment in electric freight is supporting that growth and strengthening our proposition as we compete for new business.”

(l-r) Simon Smith, CEO, Voltempo; Chris Welch, Managing Director, Welch Group; Neil Durno, Head of Partnerships, Voltempo; Matt Moore, Head of Commercial, Welch Group; Michael Boxwell, Founder and Corporate Development Officer, Voltempo.

Opening up charging to more fleets

Both Cambridge and Bedford hubs sit within the UK’s largest depot charging network under eFREIGHT 2030. Through Voltempo’s DepotCharge model, Welch’s is opening spare capacity at both sites to approved third-party fleets, improving utilisation and generating new revenue from its charging infrastructure. For local operators, this provides access to secure, bookable and cost-competitive charging, helping remove one of the key barriers to accelerating the uptake of eHGVs.

Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo, which leads eFREIGHT 2030, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Welch’s and eFREIGHT 2030 as we build out the UK’s largest network of megawatt-scale depot charging infrastructure, putting the high-power charging in place to support electric HGVs in real-world operations.

“The opportunity now is to make that infrastructure work as hard commercially as it does operationally. Combining high utilisation with access to competitively priced energy helps drive down charging costs and strengthens the business case for electric HGVs, and demonstrates how the investment made through eFREIGHT 2030 is having an impact far beyond the consortium itself.”

The British-designed Voltempo HyperCharger has been developed specifically for heavy-duty freight applications. It can deliver up to 1MW of dynamically distributed power across multiple chargepoints, allowing vehicles to be charged according to their energy requirements and departure times.

Dr. Harsh Pershad, Innovation Lead for Zero Emission Vehicles at Innovate UK, who are delivering the Zero Emissions HGVs and Infrastructure Demonstration Programme (ZEHID) on behalf of the UK Government’s Department for Transport, which supported the project, said “When I visited Welch’s Duxford depot recently, I was impressed by Welch’s forward-thinking and holistic approach to sustainability.

“Today’s opening of the MegaWatt-scale charging hub developed by Welch’s and Voltempo through the ZEHID-funded eFREIGHT2030 project is an important milestone: It shows that electric HGVs and infrastructure are feasible today for mid-size hauliers. By offering to open access to charging for other businesses, Welch’s and Voltempo create the conditions to increase use of electric HGVs in Cambridgeshire. We hope this collaborative model will be replicated across the UK”.

eFREIGHT 2030 is part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The consortium is introducing 88 electric HGVs and establishing charging infrastructure across 36 sites, including 25 megawatt-scale charging hubs, as part of a multi-year real-world evaluation of zero-emission road freight. To keep abreast of eFREIGHT 2030 news and developments, visit the eFREIGHT 2030 news page.

To learn more about the ZEHID programme please visit: Zero emission heavy goods vehicles and infrastructure – Innovate UK Business Connect

Freeburn Transport charges ahead with first Renault Trucks E-Tech T in Northern Ireland

Freeburn Transport is preparing to put its first fully electric truck into operation, with the arrival of a new Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractor unit supplied by Diamond Trucks.

The new vehicle is understood to be the first Renault Trucks E-Tech T in Northern Ireland and marks a significant step in the County Tyrone haulier’s move towards lower emission logistics.

Headquartered in Moy, Co Tyrone, Freeburn Transport operates across the UK, Ireland and Europe, providing ambient, chilled, groupage, warehousing, customs clearance and distribution services. The business runs a mixed fleet of 150 trucks and more than 400 trailers, with Renault Trucks now representing a growing share of the operation and further diesel Renault Trucks due to join the fleet this year.

The E-Tech T will be used initially on trunking work, moving trailers between Freeburn sites, before being introduced more widely as the business builds real-world experience of electric operation.

Richard Lee, Operations Manager at Freeburn Transport, commented: “We are always looking to evolve as a business and electric is where things are going. We have had interest about EVs from customers, particularly in retail, and this gives us the opportunity to see where electric can fit into our operation.

“It is a new step for us, but we have worked closely with the teams at Renault Trucks and Diamond Trucks to look at how the E-Tech T could be used, and the timing felt right.”

Supported through eFREIGHT 2030

The new E-Tech T has been introduced through the eFREIGHT 2030 Associate Member scheme, part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

 

Designed to accelerate the real-world deployment of electric HGVs and charging infrastructure, the Associate Member scheme enables operators outside the core eFREIGHT 2030 consortium to demonstrate electric trucks in their own fleets. Freeburn’s E-Tech T is being delivered on contract hire through Vertellus, with charging infrastructure installed by Voltempo, giving the business the opportunity to experience electric heavy truck operation without having to make an immediate full-fleet commitment.

For Freeburn, that support extends beyond the vehicle itself, with charging infrastructure being installed as part of the package.

Richard explained: “Voltempo have been very helpful. They came over, looked at a couple of different sites and have been working through how the charger and power supply will operate.”

Building confidence through planning and support

Freeburn is working closely with Renault Trucks and Diamond Trucks on route modelling, charging plans and driver training before the E-Tech T enters service, reflecting the level of planning required when an operator introduces electric HGV technology for the first time.

Richard said: “The simulations have been very useful. They give us an idea of what the truck can do before we put it physically on the road, so we can look at where it fits best in the operation and build from there.”

Iain Latimer, Dealer Principal at Diamond Trucks, said: “The important thing with electric vehicles is making sure the truck is right for the work. Through Renault Trucks’ energy transition specialists, we can look at route analysis, load simulations, charging and the practical detail that gives customers confidence. All of that groundwork has been done to help make sure this vehicle can fit into Freeburn’s operation.”

Until Freeburn’s charging infrastructure is fully operational, the vehicle will be able to use Diamond Trucks’ charging facilities at Mallusk. The dealership has invested in electric vehicle capability, including technician training and on-site charging, giving customers confidence that the support around electric trucks is developing alongside the vehicles themselves.

Built for real-world electric operation

The Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 has been specified to give Freeburn the range, performance and driver environment needed to begin building confidence in electric operation.

The 40-tonne GCW tractor unit is equipped with six lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 540kWh. Powered by three electric motors, it delivers up to 490kW continuous power and 2,400Nm of maximum torque, with Renault Trucks’ Optidriver automated gearbox adapted for the electric driveline.

For Freeburn, the vehicle’s capability will be tested in a real working environment, with the business expecting the E-Tech T to carry out regular trunking work and potentially cover up to 200 miles per day as the operation develops.

Richard said: “The plan is to use it on regular work at the start, see how it performs and then build from there. There is no point having it as a showpiece. We want to see what it can do.”

Driver engagement will also be an important part of the transition. The E-Tech T includes a sleeper cab, rear-view cameras, 4-point cab air suspension, parking cooler and heater, cab preconditioning when connected to mains electricity, and Renault Trucks connected services including Optifleet Check, Optifleet Map and the Driver App.

Renault Trucks has also offered driver training support, enabling Freeburn’s driver trainer to understand how to get the best from the electric vehicle before sharing that knowledge with the wider driver team.

(l-r) Richard Lee, Operations Manager at Freeburn Transport; Chris Freeburn, Managing Director at Freeburn Transport; Iain Latimer, Dealer Principal at Diamond Trucks; Scott Sawyers,Transport Director at Freeburn Transport. 

Diamond Trucks brings electric expertise to Northern Ireland operators

Freeburn’s E-Tech T was displayed on the Diamond Trucks stand at the first RTX Northern Ireland show last month, giving operators in the region a close look at a fully electric tractor unit and generating strong interest from fleets exploring the transition to electric vehicles.

Iain said: “Freeburn is a progressive business and this is an exciting step in our relationship with them. We have been working with Richard and the team for a number of years, and we are delighted to support them as they take their first step into electric truck operation.

“Electric will not suit every operation today, but for local and regional back-to-base work, where the vehicle can charge overnight or between shifts, there are real opportunities. With grant support now available and projects such as eFREIGHT 2030 helping operators gain first-hand experience, the conversation is moving forward.”

A platform for future electrification

Freeburn says the E-Tech T could pave the way for further electric vehicles if the first truck performs as expected, with the business already considering where additional charging infrastructure and electric trucks could fit into its wider depot network.

Richard concluded: “If it goes well, success would mean more of them. We would like to look at adding electric trucks into different depots and putting chargers where they make sense. This is the first one for us, so we will see how it performs, learn from it and take it from there.”

Menzies introduces first battery-electric trucks under eFREIGHT 2030

Three new Scania tractor units mark the start of the logistics provider’s 10-vehicle electric HGV deployment

Menzies Distribution Solutions (MDS) has introduced the first battery-electric trucks to join its fleet, with three new 42-tonne Scania tractor units entering operation through the eFREIGHT 2030 programme.

The vehicles are the first of 10 electric HGVs that MDS will deploy through eFREIGHT 2030 as part of the UK Government-funded Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme and represent a significant milestone in the company’s wider fleet decarbonisation strategy.

The logistics and supply chain specialist has previously trialled battery-electric vehicles and already operates trucks using alternative fuels, but the new Scanias are the first fully electric HGVs to become a permanent part of its fleet.

Adam Purshall, Fleet, Program and Systems Director at MDS, said: “This is the next significant step in our decarbonisation strategy. We have been exploring alternative fuels such as Bio-CNG and HVO for some time, but these are the first battery-electric vehicles to join our fleet and represent our first major move towards electrification.

“We have been actively involved in eFREIGHT 2030 since joining the consortium around two years ago, and seeing our first vehicles enter live operation is an important milestone. It enables us to build on the work already undertaken through the project by gathering operational data and driver feedback that will help shape our future fleet decisions.”

Electric Scanias take on double-shift operation

The three Scania 4×2 45S high-roof battery-electric tractor units combine Scania’s S-series sleeper cab with a 450kW electric powertrain.

They are operating from MDS’s multi-user distribution centre in Wakefield, supporting retail and FMCG customers on local and regional delivery work.

The trucks are initially being deployed on operations involving predominantly packaging and other relatively lightweight loads. They will be double-shifted across day and night operations and returned to base to recharge between shifts, with MDS investing in on-site infrastructure offering 1MW charging capability.

The vehicles are expected to cover around 250 miles per shift and will be charged twice within each 24-hour operating cycle to maximise utilisation.

Purshall said: “The new trucks will initially support local and regional deliveries from Wakefield, but over time we plan to move them between operations, assess a range of use cases and understand how far we can push the technology in live operations.”

As eFREIGHT 2030 project lead and charging infrastructure partner, Voltempo has supported MDS throughout the planning and implementation of its charging infrastructure.

“Voltempo has helped us navigate a complex process, bringing specialist expertise around the technical requirements, grid connection and engagement with the Distribution Network Operator,” Purshall added. “Its team has been knowledgeable, responsive and collaborative throughout.”

Multi-marque trial to inform future fleet strategy

The Scanias form part of a broader 10-vehicle electric HGV deployment planned by MDS through eFREIGHT 2030.

The business has selected vehicles from Scania, DAF and Renault Trucks, enabling it to compare different vehicle technologies, operating characteristics and support models.

“Our decision to take vehicles from three manufacturers was very deliberate,” Purshall said. “We want to understand how they perform across different routes and duty cycles and generate the operational evidence needed to make informed decisions about future orders and the role battery-electric trucks can play within our fleet.”

He added that the government funding available through eFREIGHT 2030 had been an important catalyst, enabling the business to move forward with electric HGVs within a supported environment.

Manufacturer and programme partners support rollout

Scania worked with MDS from the outset to ensure the new electric trucks were specified and deployed around the operator’s requirements, including route suitability, shift patterns, driver familiarisation and aftersales support.

Nick Clarke, Direct Sales Manager at Scania UK, said: “There has been an immense amount of work taking place behind the scenes to make partnerships like this successful for everyone involved, and I’m excited to see how these new vehicles perform as they become an integral part of the wider MDS fleet.”

Led by Voltempo, eFREIGHT 2030 is one of three projects supported through the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo, said: “MDS’s first battery-electric HGV deployment is an important milestone for the business and for eFREIGHT 2030. Operating these trucks intensively across day-to-day transport operations will generate valuable evidence about where electric HGVs can work most effectively.

“By testing vehicles from three manufacturers, MDS will also provide important comparative insights that can support future fleet investment and help accelerate the wider transition to zero-emission road freight.”

Dr Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager at Innovate UK, said: “The deployment of MDS’s first battery-electric HGVs into live commercial operation marks an important milestone, not only for the business’s decarbonisation journey, but for the wider ZEHID programme.

“As these vehicles begin operating in real-world logistics environments, they will generate vital operational insights that help build the evidence base needed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission HGVs across the UK.”

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is introducing 88 electric HGVs and establishing charging infrastructure across 36 sites, including 25 megawatt-scale charging hubs, as part of a multi-year real-world evaluation of zero-emission road freight.

M&S to roll out ten new DAF XD Electric trucks with five supported through eFREIGHT 2030

M&S and its transport subsidiary Gist are deploying ten new DAF XD electric trucks across its Foods and Fashion, Home and Beauty operations. The units include DAF’s first UK inverter-equipped truck to enable electric-powered refrigeration developed through the Government-funded eFREIGHT 2030 project.

Five of the ten vehicles are supported through the eFREIGHT 2030, part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered with Innovate UK. One of these units is fitted with an integrated inverter which draws power from the vehicle’s main DC battery and converts it into AC electricity enabling the trailer’s refrigeration unit to be powered directly from the truck. Refrigeration being run on electricity rather than diesel represents a significant step forward in the transition towards fully electrified transport solutions.

The vehicles will be deployed across two logistics operations with five operating on Fashion, Home and Beauty distribution and five operating on Retail Food. Both duty cycles are well suited to electrification with predictable routing alongside demanding real-world payloads and utilisation levels.

The DAF XD Electric consistently achieves up to 300 miles range on a single charge and the planned daily range in M&S operations will sit between 250 and 300 miles. Operating at gross weights between 32- and 42-tonnes the units will be running on both single and double shift patterns supporting annual mileages of approximately 100,000 km per vehicle.

The rollout builds on the proven success of M&S’s earlier DAF LF Electric deployment, which completed a 24-month proof-in-service programme on intensive, temperature-controlled multi-drop operations. That programme demonstrated that electric trucks could meet demanding operational requirements, providing the confidence to move beyond pilot use and into scaled deployment. 

M&S Group Fleet Manager, Mick Pethard, said, “The LF Electric gave us the confidence that electric trucks can perform reliably in demanding retail operations. We’re not just trialling electric anymore – with the XD Electric, we’re scaling-up. The real-world range we’re seeing, combined with strong driver acceptance, means electric tractor units are becoming a practical solution for mainstream logistics.” 

Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo which leads eFREIGHT 2030, said, ”This is a great example of what can be achieved when eFREIGHT 2030 partners combine their expertise. By supporting more demanding applications for electric HGVs, this first-of-its-kind inverter will help accelerate the transition of temperature-controlled trailers as well as trucks to zero-emission road freight.”  

The addition of the DAF XD Electric tractors underlines M&S’s intent to broaden its zero tailpipe emission capability across its distribution network, signalling a move beyond demonstration projects towards fully integrated electric operations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eFREIGHT Autonomous sets out next steps for UK autonomous HGV rollout  

eFREIGHT Autonomous, a consortium of experts in commercial vehicles and automotive technology led by Voltempo, has revealed the findings of a nine-month long study into autonomous heavy goods vehicles, identifying hub-to-hub trunking and intermodal shuttle operations as the most viable starting points for early UK deployment. 

The findings were presented at Voltempo’s Autonomous conference in Birmingham on 18 May, which brought together fleet operators, OEMs, government representatives and technology providers to discuss the future of autonomous freight in the UK. 

Led by Voltempo alongside Connected Places Catapult and Berkeley Coachworks, the eFREIGHT Autonomous consortium secured funding in 2025 through the UK Government-backed CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies competition delivered by Innovate UK and Zenzic. 

Since the project launched last year, the consortium has carried out workshops, seminars and customer visits with operators across the freight sector, while engaging with every major European truck manufacturer, alongside the Department for Transport, the Department for Business and Trade, Transport Scotland, Logistics UK, the RHA and SMMT. 

Early-stage autonomous vehicle opportunities within UK heavy road freight  

The study concludes that autonomous freight is moving rapidly from pilot projects into early commercial operation internationally, while the UK is approaching a key legislative milestone through implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. 

Michael Boxwell, Corporate Development Officer at Voltempo, said: “Over the past nine months, we’ve focused on understanding where autonomous freight can deliver genuine operational value for UK fleets and what conditions are needed to make deployment practical. 

“What’s become clear is that this is no longer a future concept. The technology, legislation and commercial interest are all moving forward quickly, and with continued grant funding available to support trials, the UK is ideally positioned to take advantage and lead from the front.” 

Michael Boxwell, Founder and Corporate Development Officer at Voltempo

The report identifies two priority use cases for early deployment: 

  • hub-to-hub motorway trunking between logistics centres; and  
  • short intermodal shuttle operations linking ports, railheads and distribution hubs.  

According to the consortium, these operations provide the clearest commercial and operational pathway because routes are predictable, interfaces can be controlled and benefits can be measured around productivity, utilisation, safety and emissions. 

As part of the programme, Voltempo and its partners have also been working with government and OEMs on concepts for a new category of autonomous HGV, including lightweight “smart trailer” configurations capable of delivering 15% greater payload while reducing overall vehicle weight by around 10%. 

The consortium believes these vehicle concepts could ultimately remove more than 22,000 heavy vehicles from UK roads while reducing fleet operating costs by up to 37%.

The consortium expects the next phase of the programme to focus on supporting UK autonomous freight trials from 2027 onwards, while continuing engagement with operators, manufacturers and government. 

The full report, Early-stage autonomous vehicle opportunities within UK heavy road freight is available to download at https://cp-catapult.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2026/05/eFreight-Early-Stage-CAV-Opportunities.pdf  

CV Show panel urges SME hauliers to start learning now on electric HGV transition

SME hauliers should not wait for every part of the electric HGV transition to be solved before taking their first practical steps, according to speakers at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, held at the NEC Birmingham in April.

The panel discussion, Electric as the way forward for SMEs – overcoming the challenges, was chaired by Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager at Innovate UK, and featured Neil Durno, Head of Partnerships at Voltempo; Dave Rose, Founder and CEO of Voltloader; and Izabel Fuell, VP of Operations Strategy and Expansion at Hived.

The session explored how smaller operators can begin to engage with electric freight, with speakers highlighting early learning, vehicle utilisation, depot charging, infrastructure sharing and grant support as key themes.

Innovate’s Panovic opened the discussion by outlining progress through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, which is testing zero-emission HGVs and the infrastructure needed to support them in real-world conditions. She said the programme already has more than 200 battery electric HGVs in operation across the UK, with around 300 expected in total, supported by more than 70 charging sites.

Neil Durno, Head of Partnerships at Voltempo. Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager at Innovate UK.

Building confidence through real-world experience

As lead consortium partner for eFREIGHT 2030, Voltempo is working with operators, vehicle manufacturers and infrastructure partners to demonstrate how zero-emission HGVs can be deployed in real-world freight operations. Durno said that collaboration, particularly with SME fleets, is critical to making the transition practical and scalable across the wider road freight sector.

While he acknowledged that the shift to electric HGVs will be a long-term transition, he said operators could start building valuable knowledge now rather than waiting until they are forced to act.

“This is a 20-year transition, but operators will learn far more by putting a single electric truck on the road than by waiting on the sidelines,” said Durno.

He added that the recently-announced government Depot Charging Scheme and Plug-in Truck Grant together offer an important opportunity for SMEs to reduce the risk of investing in their first electric truck and charging infrastructure.

Dave Rose, Founder and CEO of Voltloader. Izabel Fuell, VP of Operations Strategy and Expansion at Hived. Neil Durno, Head of Partnerships at Voltempo. Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager at Innovate UK.

Making electric trucks work commercially

The importance of using infrastructure effectively was a recurring theme. Durno said operators should consider how depot chargers could generate wider value when not being used by their own fleet. He pointed to work involving Welch’s Transport and Openreach, where depot sharing is helping move vehicles away from more expensive public charging and into lower-cost, more controlled charging environments.

He also highlighted the value of data from eFREIGHT 2030 and the wider ZEHID programme in helping operators understand which use cases are best suited to electric trucks.

Meanwhile, Rose said Voltloader’s experience shows electric HGVs are already capable of demanding work. The business has been running articulated electric trucks for two and a half years, with some vehicles covering up to 300 miles a day using a midday charge.

“The technology is there. The technology works,” said Rose.

He said grants currently available for trucks and charging infrastructure give SMEs a strong opportunity to start testing where electric vehicles could fit, build operational knowledge and differentiate themselves with customers.

Operator experience points to practical first steps

Bringing another operator perspective to the discussion, Fuell said Hived’s experience showed how smaller businesses can use their agility to test new approaches and learn quickly. The company, which began as a zero-emission parcel delivery business, has since expanded into HGV operations and haulage, using its own routes and charging infrastructure to explore different commercial models.

She said SMEs do not need to approach electrification as an immediate full-fleet transition.

“It’s not hard to get started,” she said, adding that one truck on the road can give operators the data and confidence they need for future decisions.

The panel also discussed driver benefits, including quieter operation, smoother acceleration and reduced stress. Rose said Voltloader had seen strong driver feedback from electric HGV operations, while Durno said electric trucks could help improve the working environment for drivers and air quality in the communities where freight vehicles operate.

As the discussion made clear, the question for SMEs is no longer simply whether electric HGVs can work, but where they can work first, how infrastructure can be shared, and how operators can start building the knowledge they will need for the years ahead.

Neil Durno appointed to lead delivery of Voltempo’s work within the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium

Voltempo appoints Neil Durno to lead partnerships as depot charging model gains traction

Voltempo has appointed Neil Durno to Head of Partnerships as the company accelerates delivery of large-scale charging infrastructure for electric HGV fleets. The announcement comes at a key moment for the freight electrification market, which is rapidly shifting from early deployments to the delivery and operation of charging infrastructure at commercial scale. 

Neil Durno, recently named as one of GreenFleet’s most influential people, will lead Voltempo’s expanding partner network, working across customers, technology providers and service partners as the company rolls out integrated energy solutions built around its high-power e-HGV depot charging infrastructure. 

The role will lead delivery of Voltempo’s work within the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium – part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK – aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission heavy freight. 

Paul Jordan, Chief Commercial Officer at Voltempo said strengthening partnerships would be critical as the sector moves into a more operational phase. 

“Electrifying heavy freight is fundamentally a collaboration challenge,” he said. “No single organisation delivers the entire solution. As projects move from planning into delivery, the strength of the partnerships around the infrastructure becomes just as important as the technology itself.” 

“Neil has already played a key role in building our relationships across eFREIGHT 2030. This new position allows us to build on that work as we move into the next stage of deployment.” 

Durno has spent the past two years working closely with partners across the programme and will now take responsibility for shaping Voltempo’s wider partnership strategy, including a third-party delivery support network for the company’s service and maintenance programme. 

Neil Durno’s appointment reflects a broader shift taking place in the commercial vehicle charging market. While public charging networks remain important, many fleet operators are increasingly focusing on depot-based infrastructure aligned to predictable duty cycles and scheduled vehicle dwell times. 

Voltempo has been a vocal advocate of the emerging Depot Point Operator (DPO) model, where depot-based charging infrastructure is deployed primarily to serve fleet operations but can also support controlled third-party access under pre-agreed arrangements. 

This approach allows infrastructure to be built around real operational demand while improving asset utilisation across freight corridors and logistics clusters. 

Durno said partnerships would play a central role in making these models work in practice. 

“Freight electrification is moving into a much more delivery-focused stage,” he said. “Infrastructure, energy supply, fleet operations and service support all have to work together. My focus will be making sure our partners are aligned as we move into live operations.” 

Voltempo manufacturers and deploys high-power charging systems designed for commercial vehicle depots, including its megawatt-capable HyperCharger platform, which can dynamically distribute more than one megawatt of power across multiple vehicles. 

Through its involvement in eFREIGHT 2030, the company is helping to lay the foundations for what is expected to become the UK’s largest depot-based charging network for electric HGVs. 

As electric freight adoption gathers pace, Voltempo believes strong operational partnerships will be a key factor in enabling the next stage of industry growth.