Building the Future: eFREIGHT 2030 highlights progress at ZEHID Summit

Building the Future: eFREIGHT 2030 highlights progress at ZEHID Summit

The recent Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Progress Summit, held on 6 March 2025, provided the perfect platform for eFREIGHT 2030 to showcase the results so far and share our future plans for zero-emission freight transportation. The event also gave the other ZEHID consortia an opportunity to present their own progress updates, highlighting the diverse approaches being taken across the UK to decarbonise the freight sector. 

Hosted by the Department for Transport in collaboration with Innovate UK, the Summit featured a keynote address from Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Future of Roads, who unveiled plans for over 54 new zero-emission HGV infrastructure hubs across the UK—a critical development in accelerating the adoption of green transport solutions. 

“I’m pleased to unveil the map of 54 planned infrastructure locations funded through this programme,” announced Minister Greenwood. “This isn’t just a handful of sites. It’s a nationwide network, from Scotland to the south coast, from city hubs and depots to motorway service areas. We’re ensuring that zero-emission freight isn’t just possible, it’s practical, and practicality is the key for operators.” 

The Minister emphasised that the transition to zero-emission HGVs is not merely about meeting climate targets but ensuring Britain’s freight industry remains “competitive, resilient and ready for the future”. 

Photo: The new map of planned infrastructure locations unveiled at the ZEHID Progress Summit

 

eFREIGHT 2030: Achievements to date 

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo and lead of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, presented some of the key milestones already achieved by the consortium partners and members to date, which included: 

  • Successfully securing £76 million in funding, including £49.2 million from the Department for Transport 
  • Deploying the first wave of zero-emission trucks with major operators including Marks and Spencer, Kuehne+Nagel, and Welch’s Transport using Renault vehicles 
  • Established operational charging installations at Marks and Spencer sites operated by DHL and at East Midlands Gateway 
  • Worked with the DVSA to secure official confirmation that drivers can charge electric HGVs during break periods, resolving a longstanding regulatory uncertainty 
  • Expanded the consortium with recent additions including smaller haulage company I.J. McGills and construction materials giant Tarmac 

“It’s great to see the impetus growing and a lot more interest from industry on decarbonisation,” noted Michael during his presentation. “What’s been transformed in the last few years has been incredible. A lot of that has actually been down to the ZEHID programme, because that was what really kick-started it.” 

Current infrastructure development 

Michael also highlighted the consortium’s infrastructure rollout is progressing rapidly: 

  • Approximately 33 sites are currently under development 
  • 30 sites will feature megawatt charging capabilities from day one 
  • Most sites will include six or more charging bays, with some locations offering up to 12 bays 
  • All sites are scheduled to be operational by January 2026 
  • The network will provide a total of 230-240 charging bays to support 100 trucks, creating surplus capacity for future expansion 

“We’re trying to get the infrastructure in place first so that operators can have the confidence to make the transition and invest in electric trucks.” 

A distinctive feature of the eFREIGHT 2030 approach is its focus on collaborative infrastructure. “The great thing with fleet operators is that logistics is all about solving problems; as an industry that’s what we’re really good at,” Michael highlighted. “We genuinely have competitors working together, seeing how they can do things for the greater good, but also to benefit themselves.” 

Megawatt charging innovation 

The consortium is implementing megawatt-level charging capabilities from the beginning, rather than installing lower-capacity chargers that would soon become obsolete. 

“What’s the point of putting in chargers at 350 kilowatts or 250 kilowatts now, when we already know that we’re going to need megawatt charging in three to five years’ time?” Michael explained. “The megawatt charging will allow the trucks to be charged during a 45-minute break. That means you can double-shift them so much easier, and it gives a lot more flexibility.” 

Open to new participants 

A central theme of the summit was the importance of collaboration across the industry, with Michael highlighting that “collaboration is at the heart of consortium success”. 

On that note, he emphasised that the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium remains open to new fleet operators: “If you’re a fleet operator and you think you’ve missed the boat, you really haven’t. You can get involved. You can get access to trucks and infrastructure, come and talk to us about it.” 

The ZEHID Progress Summit highlighted the remarkable progress being made in the UK’s transition to zero-emission freight. With eFREIGHT 2030 leading the charge through innovative technology, collaborative approaches, and forward-thinking initiatives, the future of sustainable freight in the UK looks increasingly promising. 

As Minister Greenwood summarised: “The businesses that move first won’t just keep up. They’ll get ahead.”  

 

 

Photo: Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads.

For more information about joining the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium click here.

A strong start to the year in first eFREIGHT 2030 QRM of 2025

A strong start to the year in first eFREIGHT 2030 QRM of 2025

Our first Quarterly Review Meeting of 2025 marked a strong start to the year as eFREIGHT 2030 partners and consortium members gathered to reflect on project updates and reaffirm our shared commitment to decarbonising road freight before 2030.

Held at the Connected Places Catapult headquarters in
Clerkenwell, the meeting celebrated the progress made so far and further
underscored the value of collaboration across the logistics industry, research,
and government.

Sir Vince Cable, chairman of eFREIGHT 2030, opened the session before the consortium reflected on key achievements of the project so far, explored solutions to current issues, and aligned on next steps. Workshops, insights and updates looked ahead to future milestones that will push the project closer to success.

Hosted by Connected Places Catapult at their headquarters in Clerkenwell, the event fostered collaboration, driving further progress towards objectives to accelerate the EV revolution and deployment of charging infrastructure.

eFREIGHT 2030 is shaping the road to decarbonised road freight with its shared vision of creating a widescale switch from diesel to electric power across the industry by 2030 and entirely electrifying the sector by 2035. The dedication and commitment of our partners and consortium members ensures that we will drive important change and build a more sustainable future for logistics.

Together, we continue to make meaningful progress!

M&S Rolls out Five All-Electric HGVs

M&S Rolls out Five All-Electric HGVs

Marks & Spencer (M&S), a founding member of eFREIGHT 2030, has introduced five zero-emission battery-electric HGVs as part of an 85-strong addition of zero or lower emissions vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet.

 

The five 42-tonne Renault Truck E-Tech Ts, delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, are part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, aimed at decarbonising road freight transport by accelerating the adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and their charging infrastructure. These new electric trucks will replace equivalent diesel vehicles, operating between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the Southeast.

This fleet expansion, which includes both zero and lower-emission vehicles, marks a significant step in M&S’ Plan A roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040, demonstrating its commitment to adopting cleaner fuels and advanced technologies.

The new fleet of vehicles will be operating between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green and 30 stores across London and the Southeast, directly replacing equivalent diesel trucks. This shift is a significant step for M&S towards achieving its Plan A roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040 which is committed to increasing the use of new technologies and cleaner fuels.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Julian Bailey, Head of Group Transport at M&S, said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business. By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products, which are sourced and made with care, to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.” 

As one of the founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, M&S will gain valuable insights into the performance of battery electric HGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs, informing future decision making around the addition of zero & lower emissions vehicles in major supply chains.

 

Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, said: “We’re working with business to lead the charge towards innovative zero emission vehicles. That’s why it’s fantastic to see M&S add five zero emission electric lorries to their fleet thanks to our £200 million to roll out large zero emission trucks – the biggest investment of this kind in the world. This comes on top of our £2.3 billion boost to help industry and consumers switch to electric vehicles, harnessing the transition to net zero by supporting jobs, attracting investment and making Britain a clean energy superpower.” 

Michael Boxwell, Group Chief Executive Officer at Voltempo Limited which leads the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, added: “We are delighted to see M&S incorporating five zero-emission, battery-electric 42-tonne Renault Trucks into its supply chain, including their deployment to iconic shopping destinations such as Oxford Street and Bluewater, as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project. We are delighted to be supporting M&S’s decarbonisation programme, with Voltempo providing charging infrastructure and project support as part of the programme.

“Fleet transitions require time and planning, and it’s inspiring to see innovative companies like M&S implementing their plans to support their sustainability goals, taking significant positive action towards net zero. Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles play a key role in decarbonisation, and it is good to see M&S take a leading position within the sector.”

VOLTEMPO Group Wins Best Commercial Vehicle Decarbonisation Strategy or Project for eFREIGHT 2030!

VOLTEMPO Group Wins Best Commercial Vehicle Decarbonisation Strategy or Project for eFREIGHT2030!

The spotlight shone brightly on the eFREIGHT 2030 Consortium, led by the Voltempo Group, at the Transport + Energy Awards 2024, as we proudly accepted this prestigious award, shared with all of our consortium members!

Held at Warwick Conferences and hosted by automotive industry legend, Quentin Wilson, the event was a true celebration of innovation and progress in the transport and energy sectors – we were in very good company!

 

On presenting the award, for Best Commercial Vehicle Decarbonisation Strategy or Project, to Voltempo, for eFREIGHT 2030, the judges said: “Electrifying freight is a monumental challenge, not least because of the infrastructure requirements but also because of how difficult it is to get the vehicle technology together and to make the business case. To assemble such a big consortium of heavy vehicle operators and galvanise them into action is truly impressive.”

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo Group said: “Winning this award at the Transport + Energy Awards is a testament to the hard work, passion and vision of the eFREIGHT 2030 Consortium to accelerate commercial vehicle decarbonisation thorugh innovation and collaboration. Our project unites some of the UK’s leading logistics providers, retailers, fleet operators, and SME’s all committed to leading the way in decarbonising their operations.

“This award shines a light on our mission to demonstrate the business case for eHGV’s and establish a network of 1MW eHGV charging hubs across the UK. By working collaboratively to resolve issues, together we will revolutionise the transport sector for all.”