Press Release – eFreight 2030

Milestone: First electric heavy-goods vehicle travels through the Channel Tunnel with LeShuttle Freight

In a joint effort to advance low-carbon logistics, Kuehne+Nagel, LeShuttle Freight, Voltempo, and DAF Trucks have successfully sent the first electric heavy-goods vehicle (eHGV) through the Channel Tunnel.

The Channel Tunnel, managed and operated by Eurotunnel, is a vital European trade corridor. Through its LeShuttle Freight services, it carries a quarter of all goods traded in value between the UK and continental Europe, with over a million trucks crossing each year. As the leader in low-carbon transportation, Eurotunnel offers the only zero-direct-emission way to cross the Channel, with services powered entirely by electricity.

By demonstrating that eHGVs can use LeShuttle Freight, this partnership accelerates the industry’s shift to more sustainable logistics and proves that with Eurotunnel, sustainable cross-Channel transport is practical, efficient and ready to scale.

As members of eFREIGHT 2030, part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme (ZEHID), Kuehne+Nagel, DAF and Voltempo will share their learnings and insights from this groundbreaking trip to help accelerate the shift to low-emission transport. eFREIGHT 2030 is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

The journey: 1,700 km across five countries with a DAF New Generation XF

The journey began at Kuehne+Nagel’s East Midlands Gateway depot in the UK where the truck was loaded with 12-tonnes of freight before being fully charged using the depot’s Voltempo HyperCharger – the UK’s first megawatt-scale charging system. Formally opened on 15 January with Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in attendance, the Kuehne+Nagel six-bay hub is capable of delivering charge rates of up to one megawatt (MW), or to dynamically allocate the 1MW capacity across six trucks at once.

Along the 1,700 km round-trip route to Kuehne+Nagel’s depot in Haiger (Germany), the two-person crew topped up at public charging hubs operated by Gridserve (UK), and Milence in Dunkirk (France) and Maasmechelen (Belgium), showcasing the growing accessibility of fast-charging infrastructure for long-haul electric freight.

The vehicle used for this milestone was the DAF New Generation XF, recently awarded the prestigious International Truck of the Year 2026. This recognition highlights its advanced engineering, efficiency, and readiness for the future of decarbonised transport. The vehicle provides a real-world range of up to 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge and supports DC charging up to 325kW, enabling rapid top-ups to make long-haul daily journeys of up to 1,000 km a reality.

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather said: “We’re backing British business by cutting up to £120,000 off the cost of new electric trucks and investing £120 million to rollout zero‑emission lorries and the charging infrastructure needed to support them, boosting growth, UK manufacturing, and supporting jobs.

“Our support has seen companies like Kuehne+Nagel get clean delivery trucks on the road and helped fund the launch of the first electric lorry across the Channel Tunnel, showcasing the massive trading and economic opportunities that can be delivered through green freight.”

Kate Broome, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at Kuehne+Nagel UK, said: “With this first‑ever electric HGV journey via the Channel Tunnel, we set out to show what’s possible – and to inspire others to accelerate their own electrification journeys. Planning a multi‑country long‑haul route still requires extra work to optimise our schedule for charging stops, but the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure across the UK and Europe is transforming what’s achievable. Today we’ve demonstrated that this effort truly pays off – and this electric‑corridor milestone shows just how quickly the future of sustainable transport is taking shape.”

Peter Roberts, LeShuttle Freight Commercial Strategy Director, said “This milestone marks a major step forward towards greener supply chains and shows what’s possible when industry and government collaborate. Working with Kuehne+Nagel and DAF Trucks we are proving that electric heavy-goods vehicles can operate a zero-direct-emission freight corridor between the UK and mainland Europe, thanks to the Channel Tunnel. It’s a significant move towards decarbonising freight transport and we’re proud to be rolling out this capability to all eHGVs later this year.”

Simon Smith, CEO, Voltempo, said: “This is what eFREIGHT 2030 was designed to enable, proving that electric HGVs can operate reliably in real-world conditions, including challenging cross-border routes. Government support through ZEHID has helped kick-start the eHGV market; now industry must make electrification commercially viable at scale. Voltempo is fully focused on lowering total cost of ownership through high-power charging and smarter energy solutions. Electric freight isn’t a future ambition, it’s happening now.”

David Kiss, Managing Director of DAF Trucks, said: “This exciting milestone demonstrates that DAF electric trucks can reliably operate on international, multi-country routes, including the Channel crossing. The DAF XF Electric enables daily distances of up to 1,000 km in real-world operation when utilising rapid charging. Running with a tri-axle trailer at up to 42 tonnes GCW, it delivers genuine heavy-duty capability for mainstream logistics applications. This cross-Channel operation proves how electric freight can be scaled on one of Europe’s busiest trade corridors, supporting both UK and EU net-zero ambitions while evidencing that sustainable international transport is practical, efficient, and commercially viable today.”

Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK Chief Executive said: “By running an electric HGV from the key logistics hub at East Midlands Gateway, through the Channel Tunnel and on into continental Europe, this group has demonstrated that range anxiety will soon be a thing of the past for eHGVs. The Short Straits crossing is a critical route for the UK economy and this landmark journey, of 1700 km across five countries, shows how eHGVs can be deployed on the UK’s key supply routes without sacrificing service levels or operational viability.”

Voltempo powers UK’s first megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub at Kuehne+Nagel East Midlands Gateway as part of eFREIGHT 2030

First of 25 planned megawatt-scale charging hubs goes live, underpinned by British designed Voltempo HyperCharger technology, supporting Kuehne+Nagel’s electric fleet

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium has reached a major milestone with the official opening of the first megawatt-scale electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) charging site, using Voltempo’s HyperCharger technology at East Midlands Gateway to support Kuehne+Nagel’s UK road operations.

Formally opened on 15 January with Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in attendance, the Kuehne+Nagel hub is the first MCS-ready (Megawatt Charging System) charger to be deployed in the UK.

(l) to (r) Kate Broome, Sustainability and Social Impact Director, Kuehne+Nagel; Amanda Hack MP, Eleanor Edmonds, Director, Road Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel; Ben Fletcher, Chief Executive, Logistics UK, Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Simon Smith, CEO, Voltempo; Alistair Barnes, Senior Programme Manager, Innovate UK: John Fox, Chief Operating Officer, Voltempo; Paul Jordan, Chief Commercial Officer, Voltempo; Louis Jones, EV & Connected Services Director, DAF Trucks UK; Michael Boxwell, Corporate Development Officer, Voltempo.

Designed and implemented by Voltempo, lead partner of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium and the programme’s charging infrastructure provider, the new charging hub at East Midlands Gateway is powered by Voltempo’s HyperCharger system, capable of delivering charge rates up to one megawatt – enough to charge future eHGVs in less than 30 minutes.

It is the first of Voltempo’s Megawatt-scale HyperChargers to be deployed under the planned national rollout of 35 depot charging hubs through eFREIGHT 2030, part of UK government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

“This first deployment of Voltempo’s HyperCharger at Kuehne+Nagel’s depot is a significant milestone for zero emission freight,” said Simon Smith, CEO, Voltempo. “As lead partner and charging infrastructure provider for eFREIGHT 2030, our focus has been on delivering infrastructure that works for real-world freight operations today, while being ready for the next generation of high-power electric and autonomous HGVs tomorrow.”

The Kuehne+Nagel site features six DC charging bays powered by Voltempo’s HyperCharger infrastructure. At the heart of the system is a single megawatt-scale HyperCharger pod, which intelligently distributes power across a network of chargepoints with one positioned at each bay, enabling flexible, high-power charging to support future freight operations.

Strategic location for UK freight

The East Midlands Gateway charging infrastructure will support Kuehne+Nagel’s continued investment in decarbonising its fleet, initially serving an electric fleet of twelve eHGVs which are part of the ZEHID project, including both DAF XF Electric and Renault Trucks E-Tech Ts as part of eFREIGHT 2030 operating across regional, national and international routes. Each truck is providing valuable real-world performance and efficiency data to support the eFREIGHT 2030 programme, including analysis of energy use, range, charging cycles and total cost of operation.

Kuehne+Nagel’s 200,000 sq ft East Midlands Gateway facility serves as the company’s UK key operations hub for road logistics activities, featuring 67 loading docks and handling a wide range of goods, including pharmaceuticals, High-Tech and groupage services. Its prime location adjacent to the M1 and East Midlands Airport makes it one of the UK’s most connected logistics hubs, and an ideal base for demonstrating the viability of electric HGV operations.

Kate Broome, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at Kuehne+Nagel, said: “As part of eFREIGHT 2030, we’re proud to be working with partners like Voltempo and their innovative technology, alongside vehicle manufacturers DAF and Renault Trucks, to open the first charging hub at our site – a real milestone made possible through collaboration across industry. Located at the heart of our UK road logistics operations, the combination of the HyperCharger and our new electric fleet enables us to deliver more sustainable logistics for our customers at real operational scale.”

Kuehne+Nagel’s participation in eFREIGHT 2030 builds on its Vision 2030 commitment to be the most trusted supply chain partner supporting a sustainable future, with validated science-based emissions targets and a track record of pioneering electric road freight. Its UK electric HGV programme has already surpassed 150,000 zero-emission miles, and the company is proud to hold Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status, having created the industry’s first Carbon Literacy© course focused on logistics.

Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) attends the formal opening of the UK’s first megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub at Kuehne+Nagel East Midlands Gateway as part of eFREIGHT 2030

British-designed infrastructure purpose-built for trucks

The Voltempo HyperCharger is a British-designed and manufactured charging system, developed specifically for heavy-duty freight applications. The technology has recently achieved Made in Britain membership eligibility, recognising that the product is substantially designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, with all labour involved in producing the finished system based in Tyseley, East Birmingham.

Each HyperCharger can deliver up to one megawatt of dynamically distributed power, supplying up to six vehicles simultaneously. The system can be scaled across multiple chargepoints to support larger fleets and evolving depot requirements.

Designed with sustainability and simplicity in mind, the HyperCharger functions efficiently and flexibly due to the configuration and control of the power modules allowing multiple vehicles to be charged to suit their range requirements and time of despatch, helping operators minimise vehicle charging time as well as lower the fleet’s carbon emissions. The chargers are OCPP 2.0+ compliant and Plug and Charge capable.

The Voltempo system simplifies the driver’s experience – with no payment terminal required, the system authenticates the trucks from the operator’s fleet list and manages all the charging transactions seamlessly in the background.

Alistair Barnes, Senior Programme Manager at Innovate UK said: “We are delighted to support the launch of this pioneering charging hub at Kuehne+Nagel’s East Midlands Gateway depot. Voltempo’s state-of-the-art HyperCharger is enabling eFREIGHT 2030 to meet the sustainable haulage demands of today and tomorrow. The ZEHID programme, funded by the UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, is providing strategic insights into the future of road transport. Powerful partnerships like this are accelerating the transition to zero-emission freight and driving the UK’s clean growth ambitions forward.”

Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said:

“It was great to see firsthand the opening of the UK’s first megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub, and it is a giant step forward in the transformation of our industry. Being able to charge future eHGVs in less than 30 minutes will not only unlock more opportunities for the sector but it will also enhance confidence and reduce costs. Commercial and operational viability will always be the main driver for logistics operators, and this will help them deliver efficiencies and best value to their customers.

“Lack of charging infrastructure is one of the main barriers to fleet electrification, and the opening of the UK’s first megawatt-scale eHGV charging hub shows exactly how to make electrification work for real-world freight operations. Government and regulators should now feel confident in the technology and start to place logistics at the forefront of grid reform and planning so similar charging infrastructure can be installed across the country quickly. This will not only reduce operating costs but helps bring down the cost of living for the Great British public too.”

Tarmac to roll out ‘first of a kind’ electric HGVs and charging network across London

eFreight 2030 member Tarmac has announced plans to launch a fleet of electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) partnering with Voltempo to develop its new electric charging network to support the delivery of materials for construction and major infrastructure projects across London and the South East.

Five new vehicles will be the first eHGVs to transport cement, asphalt, aggregates and concrete blocks as part of a collaboration with Renault Trucks and DAF trucks.

The new eHGVs and charging network are being support by the government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Development (ZEHID) programme, backed by £200 million in funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

As a member of the eFreight 2030 consortium, Tarmac is working with cross-industry partners and British HGV charging expert Voltempo to develop its network, which will be operational in early 2026.

Michael Boxwell, Founder of Voltempo, which leads the eFreight 2030 consortium, said: “Tarmac’s commitment to decarbonising logistics is second to none. Their leadership and willingness to invest in electric HGVs and charging network infrastructure including Voltempo’s ultra-rapid HyperCharger MCS is exactly the kind of ambition we need to drive real change across the sector. We’re proud to have Tarmac as a founding partner in eFreight 2030 and look forward to working together to accelerate the transition to zero-emission road freight.”

The continued electrification of the Tarmac fleet and charging network builds on Tarmac’s introduction of electric readymix concrete vehicles, which have been successfully operating since 2022.

Providing coverage across the capital, Tarmac’s charging network will include Voltempo chargers at its Paddington concrete plant, Harper Lane asphalt plant, Linford blocks plant and HGV base in Northfleet, Kent, as well as a charging hub operated by the Fleete Group at the Port of Tilbury.

A 250kW DC charger at Tarmac’s Paddington Concrete Plant will allow the eHGVs to charge while offloading material. In Northfleet, a Voltempo HyperCharger Megawatt Charging System (MCS) will have the ability to charge an eHGV up to 1MW, or dynamically allocate the 1MW capacity across six trucks at once.

Ben Garner, Logistics Director at Tarmac, said: “These significant new additions to our electric fleet together with a London-wide charging network mean that we’re scaling electrification and helping customers cut carbon across construction logistics. With material deliveries coming into our Paddington facility via our rail freight network, onward journeys can now be made by eHGV – providing customers in London with a leading, low carbon and multi modal logistics offer.”

Expect Distribution rolls out first electric HGVs under eFREIGHT 2030 project

Bradford-based logistics provider takes delivery of two new Renault Trucks E-Techs to serve Palletline and cardfactory contracts.

Expect Distribution has taken delivery of its first two fully electric heavy goods vehicles as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, marking a major step towards its ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035.

The two vehicles – a Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 tractor unit with sleeper cab and a Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide rigid with curtainsider body – are the first fully electric trucks to join Expect Distribution’s fleet of more than 100 HGVs. Both vehicles are based at the company’s Woodlands distribution hub in Bradford, just off the M62, where Bradford-based Expect Distribution, a national logistics provider, also has two new 240kW chargers, installed by Voltempo, each capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously. The new charging facilities will be used primarily to recharge the trucks overnight, with the potential to make planned charging available to third parties at other times.

One of the vehicles will be used daily to trunk to the Palletline hub in Birmingham, while the second will be deployed on store deliveries for cardfactory across the local region. Together, the trucks are expected to deliver an annual saving of around 195 tonnes of carbon dioxide compared with their diesel counterparts. “These are the very first electric trucks to join our fleet, and we see this as the start of our electrification journey,” said Andy Taylor, Operations Director at Expect Distribution. “The eFREIGHT 2030 project has given us the opportunity to invest in technology that not only reduces our carbon emissions but also to prove that sustainability in logistics can be achieved without unsustainable cost increases.”

*Expect Distribution takes delivery of two new Renault Trucks E-Techs to serve Palletline and cardfactory contracts*

Commenting on what this means for their customer, Mr Taylor said: “We’ve worked closely with cardfactory to align this project with their sustainability goals and to optimise routes to ensure we can service their stores effectively and efficiently with the new EVs.”

He added: “As a business we are fully committed to achieving Net Zero by 2035, and we see eFREIGHT 2030 as a key step in helping us, and our customers, deliver on these ambitions. We’ll continue exploring where further electrification is appropriate across all our routes.”

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo, said: “It’s fantastic to see Expect Distribution deploying their first electric HGVs under the eFREIGHT 2030 programme. These trucks will not only reduce emissions immediately but will also provide valuable real-world data and insights into how eHGVs can operate efficiently in everyday logistics. The more companies that take this step, the faster we can accelerate the industry’s transition to zero-emission road freight.”

(L) to (R) Jack Boldy, Head of Distribution – Expect Distribution, Richard Davies, Director – JDS Trucks, Dan Wignall, Head of Contracts  – Expect Distribution, Andy Taylor, Operations Director & Co-owner – Expect Distribution, Tom Reed, JDS Trucks, Jack Watmore, Fleet Compliance Manager – Expect Distribution, Mark Dodsworth, Contract Manager for cardfactory – Expect Distribution

“Expect Distribution’s introduction of its first electric HGVs and charging facilities marks a significant step forward – both for the eFREIGHT 2030 project and for the UK’s shift towards zero-emission freight,” said Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Zero Emission Mobility at Innovate UK. “Through ZEHID, Innovate UK in partnership with the Department for Transport is supporting projects like this to show how zero-emission road freight can be delivered in practice. Together, we are helping the UK lead the way towards cleaner, smarter logistics.”

Led by Voltempo, the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is one of four UK government–funded demonstrator projects under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, which aims to kickstart the uptake of zero emission HGVs. Expect Distribution’s new electric trucks follow earlier deployments by eFREIGHT members M&S, Welch’s Transport and Kuehne+Nagel, with more deployments to follow over the coming months and next year.

*Andy Taylor, Operations Director & Co-owner – Expect Distribution*

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is introducing up to 100 electric HGVs – a mix of 4×2 and 6×2 tractor units – and 32 new charging locations, the majority of which will have megawatt-charging capacity, over a multi-year real world evaluation that will pave the way for zero emission transport.

To keep abreast of eFREIGHT 2030 news and developments, visit eFREIGHT’s news page.

eFREIGHT Autonomous secures funding to explore feasibility of autonomous HGVs on UK roads

11th AUG, 2025 – eFREIGHT Autonomous, a consortium of experts in commercial vehicles and automotive technology, has secured funding and support from the UK Government and industry through the CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies (FS) Competition delivered by Innovate UK and Zenzic.

One of 14 projects selected through the competition, eFREIGHT Autonomous will explore the role of autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK from the perspective of fleet operations.

By evaluating today’s technology and understanding the direction of future developments, the study aims to identify potential use cases, assess commercial viability, and examine the infrastructure and legislative frameworks required to enable autonomous trucking in the UK.

Led by EV charging specialists, Voltempo Group, developers of the British designed and manufactured electric HGV megawatt charging system, the consortium includes Berkeley Coachworks, designer of the innovative, lightweighted Berkeley Bulldog e-trailer, and data and research partner, Connected Places Catapult. Chairman of the consortium is Sir Vince Cable, former Secretary-of-State for Business, Innovation and Skills who gave the green light to the UK’s first tests of driverless technology in 2014.

Sir Vince Cable said: “We are delighted to have been selected to take part in the CAM Pathfinder feasibility study to research, evaluate and help shape the future of UK freight transport from the perspective of fleet operators. Autonomous technology offers a chance to unlock innovation across transport, strengthen the UK supply chain and rethink logistics that are cleaner, greener and better for local communities and better for business”

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo said: “Autonomous vehicles are already in everyday use in parts of China and the US, and trials here in the UK, such as self-driving shuttles in Birmingham and autonomous buses in Scotland, are paving the way for wider adoption by 2027 with the full implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act. For freight operators working on tight margins, this is a chance to understand this transformational technology, help shape its future rollout and explore the real cost-saving opportunities it can deliver for the UK supply chain through improved efficiencies.”

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said: “We are thrilled to announce the eFREIGHT Autonomous project, spearheaded by Voltempo, Connected Places Catapult and Berkeley Coachworks, as one of the fourteen exciting CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies taking place across the UK. “

“The deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility solutions holds incredible promise – enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and fostering a transport network that is both reliable and inclusive. The eFREIGHT Autonomous project will serve as a pivotal example in showcasing those benefits.

“We are looking forward to working with the project consortia as they further develop their business case, demonstrate the commercial readiness of the service, and provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the deployment of CAM solutions in regions throughout the UK.”

At the end of the project, eFREIGHT Autonomous will produce reports and briefing documents for government and industry that outline the roadmap for autonomous heavy road freight vehicles, identifying potential opportunities, risks, costs and timescales for autonomous vehicles for the road freight industry.

In parallel with the study, consortium member Berkeley Coachworks plans to develop autonomous HGVs at its manufacturing site and test track in Trecwn, Pembrokeshire. Following the publication of its reports, eFREIGHT Autonomous plans to examine the opportunity to create real-world trials with autonomous HGVs, running on UK roads, with the potential is to have autonomous HGVs operational by the end of 2027.

Work on the eFREIGHT Autonomous feasibility study project will begin summer 2025, with results delivered early 2027.

The founding members of the eFREIGHT Autonomous consortium, and Chair, Sir Vince Cable, are also members of eFREIGHT 2030, part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme funded by Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. eFREIGHT 2030 is currently rolling out electric HGVs and the first phase of an eHGV charging network across the UK, learning how electric trucks can work within real world environments.

eFREIGHT founding members Renault Trucks and M&S mark half-year of zero-emission deliveries

eFREIGHT 2030 is celebrating a significant milestone as two of its founding members, Renault Trucks and leading UK retailer M&S, mark six months of successful real-world operation with five electric Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 HGVs.

Operating from M&S’s Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green, the five E-Tech T vehicles serve 20 stores across London and the South East, including flagship stores Oxford Street and Bluewater – all with zero tailpipe emissions. The vehicles are among the first on the road to start the project’s real-world evaluation of electric HGVs, supporting M&S’s drive to achieve its Net Zero goals by 2040.

Celebrating success

To mark the successful introduction and real-world performance of the electric trucks, M&S and Renault Trucks hosted a special Driver Celebration event at the M&S Welham Green Distribution Centre. The event brought together the teams behind the successful rollout, including drivers, logistics teams, and industry partners, providing an opportunity to share insights and experiences on the transition to sustainable transport.

Driver acceptance of the electric trucks has been consistently positive, with feedback highlighting improved comfort, reduced noise levels and smoother vehicle handling.

Vehicle specifications

The E-Tech T vehicles are powered by six 90 kWh batteries and three electric motors, delivering up to 490kW of continuous power and maximum torque of 2400Nm, coupled to an Optidriver AT 2412 12 speed automated gearbox. Enhanced aerodynamics are provided by air deflectors from Kuda, while additional safety features include door windows for safer urban operation and Renault Trucks’ anti rollaway park brake.

All five E-Tech Ts operate on double shifts, supported by charging infrastructure installed by Voltempo as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project at the Welham Green base. Future plans include the potential for additional infrastructure at M&S stores to allow for opportunity charging during vehicle stand time.

The milestone builds on M&S’s existing commitment to electric freight, with three fully electric 26-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide rigids with refrigerated bodies already successfully operating on double shifts for over a year.

Industry impact

Michael Boxwell, eFREIGHT 2030 Lead, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to see this milestone achieved by our founding members Renault Trucks and M&S. This six-month success story demonstrates exactly what we set out to prove – that electric HGVs can deliver reliable, efficient commercial operations in real-world conditions, and this is only the beginning!”

He continued: “The positive driver feedback and seamless integration into M&S’s logistics operations shows the maturity of electric freight technology and provides valuable evidence for the wider industry’s transition to zero-emission transport.”

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, added: “We are proud that M&S has chosen Renault Trucks to lead its transition to zero-emission HGVs and delighted to hear that the progress and performance has been so positive.

“By switching to electric HGVs, M&S is setting the pace for sustainable retail logistics, and we are delighted to be supporting them on their journey to Net Zero. This is not only a demonstration, but also proof that large-scale, emission-free transport is already here, and it works.”

The achievement represents an important step forward for the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, which forms part of the UK Government’s Zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator (ZEHID) programme aimed at decarbonising freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions heavy goods vehicles.

Family-run IJ McGill Transport announced as latest eFREIGHT 2030 consortium member

eFREIGHT 2030 has announced family-run IJ McGill Transport as the latest member to join the consortium, which aims to shape the future of zero emission HGVs.

As part of eFREIGHT 2030, IJ McGill Transport will add three DAF electric vehicles to its existing fleet of approximately 130 vehicles which includes a versatile mix of 40-tonne and 44-tonne tractor units, rigid trucks (ranging from 7.5 tonne to 18 tonne), 3.5 tonne vans, and a variety of trailers, including straight frame, double-deck, and urban configurations. The multi-generational SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) will also install charging infrastructure at three of its five depots, including a Voltempo megawatt HyperCharger at its Bristol site and 240-kilowatt chargers at its Tavistock and West Bromwich locations.

Heather Brown, Operations Director at IJ McGill Transport, explained:

“Our charging strategy will primarily focus on depot-based charging, utilising the downtime between routes. The megawatt HyperCharger at our Bristol site will be able to charge a vehicle in approximately an hour, while our 240-kilowatt chargers will take around 90 minutes. We’ll be charging vehicles during two key windows – early morning when trucks return from overnight trunking operations between 3-4am, and again in the early evening between 5-7pm before they go out for night work.”

The new electric vehicles will be used for both daytime distribution and overnight trunk routes, maximising utilisation while taking advantage of off-route charging opportunities.

Benefits of Consortium Membership

Joining eFREIGHT 2030 opens up new support and collaboration opportunities for IJ McGill Transport, especially as it begins its transition to electric vehicles.

Heather Brown added:

“Joining the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium represents an exciting step in our sustainability journey. As a family business that’s always looked towards the future, introducing electric vehicles allows us to reduce our environmental impact while future-proofing our operations. The consortium’s financial support and shared learning opportunities make this transition more accessible for a company of our size.”

In addition to support, the company will contribute operational data throughout the five-year programme, helping inform how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can transition to zero-emission logistics.

Kelly Pope, HR & Sales Director at IJ McGill Transport, commented:

“Sustainability has always been important to our business. From route optimisation and maximising vehicle utilisation to installing solar panels on our warehousing facilities, we’ve consistently sought ways to reduce our environmental footprint. Now, with increasing zero-emission zones in cities across the UK, this partnership enables us to offer our customers more sustainable transport solutions while sharing knowledge with other consortium members.”

Exploring Future-Forward Energy Solutions

Looking beyond electric vehicles, IJ McGill Transport is exploring a hydroelectric power scheme using an existing weir at the former paper-mill site that now houses its main depot in Keynsham, Bristol. The company is working with local environmental agencies to determine feasibility, with the ambition to generate enough renewable electricity to power its entire fleet in the future.

Michael Boxwell, Group Chief Executive Officer at Voltempo, which leads the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, said:

“I am delighted to welcome IJ McGill Transport into the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium. As a long-established family business with deep roots in the transport industry, IJ McGill brings valuable experience and a genuine commitment to sustainability that aligns perfectly with our mission.”

“Their forward-thinking approach to green initiatives, from solar panels to exploring hydroelectric power at their historic Bristol site, demonstrates the kind of pioneering spirit we need in this transition. What particularly impresses me is their willingness to embrace new technologies and be among the first to trial innovations – a quality that will be invaluable as we work together to transform the UK’s HGV sector and create a more sustainable future for road freight.”

Dr Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager – Zero Emission Road Freight, Innovate UK, said:

“It is fantastic to see another haulier joining the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, as part of the UK Government-funded Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator, which is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. With the addition of these vehicles and I. J. McGills as a new partner, the breadth of data and learnings from the project will be expanded.”

Eight eFREIGHT 2030 leaders named among 2025 Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players

Eight eFREIGHT 2030 leaders named among 2025 Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players

eFREIGHT 2030 is proud to celebrate a major milestone in the project’s journey toward zero-emission logistics, as eight of its consortium members have been recognised in the prestigious 2025 Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players rankings.

With over 65 nominations for this year’s edition, competition for a place among the top 25 Power Players was fiercer than ever—a testament to the rapid pace of innovation and change across the UK’s road freight sector. The fact that one-third of this elite list is made up of eFREIGHT 2030 participants is a remarkable endorsement of the programme’s ambition, vision and collaborative strength.

The eight consortium members recognised in the top 25 rankings are:

#3 – Ben Garner, Head of Logistics Development and Standards, Tarmac
#4 – Kate Broome, Sustainability and Social Impact Director, Kuehne+Nagel
#5 – Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Renault Trucks
#6 – Chris Welch, Managing Director, Welch’s Transport
#8 – Michael Boxwell, Group CEO, Voltempo Group
#15– Andrew Scott, Product Director, TVS Interfleet
#18– Jamie Sands, Head of Solutions, Welch’s Transport
#20 – Angus Webb, Founder and CEO, Dynamon

In addition, Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager – Zero Emission Road Freight at Innovate UK, who plays a key role in overseeing the ZEHID (Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Demonstrator) programme that eFREIGHT 2030 is part of, was also recognised at #25.

The Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players initiative celebrates the individuals driving meaningful progress in the decarbonisation of UK logistics. Candidates are nominated from across the industry—including fleet operators, OEMs, technology providers and public sector organisations—and are evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Selection is based on impact, innovation, and commitment to sustainable freight.

Michael Boxwell, Group CEO of Voltempo and the #8 Power Player, commented: “This is more than just a recognition of individual brilliance—it’s a reflection of what can be achieved through collaborative innovation and a shared commitment to decarbonising UK road freight. We are immensely proud of all those who have been recognised.”

The strong representation of eFREIGHT 2030 leaders in this year’s rankings underscores the project’s growing influence in shaping a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable freight future.

Three consortium members made the sought-after ‘Top 5’

Among the eight recognised were three eFREIGHT 2030 members who earned a coveted place in the Top 5 of this year’s Power Players – a significant achievement that highlights their depth of expertise in the decarbonisation space. As well as the prestige itself, the Top 5 Power Players receive a more in-depth write-up within the Power Players supplement, including “judges comments”.

Judges praised third placed Power Player Ben Garner’s “bravery in consistently pushing the organisation forward and sharing his findings with the wider industry.”

As Head of Logistics Development and Standards at Tarmac, Ben has been a driving force behind the company’s decarbonisation strategy within the construction logistics sector. His leadership led to the development of the UK’s first all-electric ready-mix concrete mixer—delivered in collaboration with Renault Trucks and TVS Interfleet—which is expected to save 42 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. He has also been instrumental in the launch of Tarmac’s EV discovery programme to support suppliers and advocates for low-carbon fuels and increased use of rail freight.

Our #4 Power Player, Kate Broome at Kuehne+Nagel, was recognised for her commitment to inclusive decarbonisation. A passionate advocate for SME hauliers, Broome has played a key role in securing significant ZEHID grant funding for zero-emission HGVs and infrastructure and ensuring it is accessible to small operators. She regularly speaks at industry events, advocating for policy and funding support for SMEs and working to inspire optimism about the electric transition. Judges called her “an outstanding role model, personally driving significant progress in road decarbonisation”.

Retaining a Top 5 position for a second year, Carlos Rodrigues at Renault Trucks, was recognised by the judges as “a standard bearer for the truck manufacturers… instrumental in driving the industry forward”. As MD for Uk and Ireland, Carlos has consistently led the manufacturer’s ambitious sustainability agenda. Under his leadership, Renault Trucks has introduced a full range of electric vehicles in the UK and committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The company has also set interim goals to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030 (from 2019 levels).

These achievements showcase the profound impact that eFREIGHT 2030 consortium members are making—not only within their own organisations, but across the UK’s transport and logistics landscape. Their recognition in the 2025 Power Players rankings reflects the strength of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose at the heart of this transformative programme.

Follow the eFREIGHT 2030 Trail at the Commercial Vehicle Show!

Visitors to this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show are invited to follow the eFREIGHT 2030 Trail!

Follow the path to decarbonsiation and hear from our consortium members who will be spotlighting the latest developments in zero emissions road freight as well as the future of HGVs.

Attendees of the Commercial Vehicle Show (29 April – 1 May) can visit eFREIGHT 2030’s dynamic line-up of consortium members and join discussions that explore real world insights from those leading innovation in the sector.

Don’t miss expert-led seminars that feature voices from across the consortium and the ZEHID (Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure Demonstrator) who will deliver key messages into the challenges and opportunities in decarbonising road freight.

The eFREIGHT 2030 trail will see topics covered from vehicle technology and infrastructure to policy and implementation. Make sure to visit our full lineup for new networking opportunities with collaboration firmly at the heart of the programme’s success. The momentum is building, eFREIGHT 2030 is pushing forward—and there’s so much more to come!

We hope to see you there!

Full seminar overview available here: https://www.cvshow.com/seminar-overview

eFREIGHT 2030 consortium releases report on eHGV purchasing models

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, which is steering the UK’s shift to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), has released a detailed report on eHGV purchasing options and considerations.

Aimed at fleet operators looking to navigate the transition with greater confidence, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the financial hurdles and practical solutions that can help guide informed procurement decisions.

Cost challenges: A major hurdle for fleet operators

The report shows that the move from diesel to electric is hampered by steep upfront costs, uncertain residual values and a lack of transparent total cost of ownership data. These factors have left many operators reluctant to invest in new technologies. Detailed case studies reveal how traditional purchasing models often overlook hidden costs, while emerging options – such as flexible leasing, pay-per-use schemes and performance-based agreements – provide more predictable financial outcomes. In essence, the report serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking a clearer picture of the benefits and risks involved in eHGV procurement.

Exploring purchasing models: Conventional and emerging solutions

The analysis goes beyond the numbers. It highlights the impact of eHGVs on conventional vehicle purchasing models and details real-world trials that demonstrate the potential of innovative approaches. By drawing on industry feedback and pilot data, the report lays out the value that these new models can offer, not only in cost savings but also in operational flexibility.

Importantly, the report does not claim to offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it acknowledges the uncertainties inherent in the current market – from limited data to the need for robust analytical tools – and sets out recommendations for further research. The consortium advises that fleet operators and key stakeholders test purchasing model propositions, develop a comprehensive total cost of ownership tool based on real-world data, and pilot innovative models in lower-risk environments. This measured approach is designed to refine the options available and help the industry move forward with confidence.

Reace Edwards, Senior Business Model Consultant at Energy Systems Catapult, said:

“Too many fleet operators are hesitating while the electrification revolution speeds ahead. Understanding both current and emerging purchasing models is no longer optional, it’s essential. This report delivers hard-edged, data-driven insights that empower fleets to make decisive investments in the future of transport.”

Lowri Williams, Transport Practice Manager at Energy Systems Catapult, said:

“Financial uncertainty is the single biggest barrier to electrification. Our analysis dismantles outdated purchasing paradigms and lays out bold, innovative models that could fundamentally reshape fleet investment strategies. This isn’t just a report, it’s a wake-up call for operators ready to lead the change.”

Michael Boxwell, CEO at Voltempo, said:

This report – the first in a series of three exploring vehicle procurement, depot charging, and public charging infrastructure – has been published as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, which is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The programme aims to decarbonise road freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions HGVs, which includes supporting rapid infrastructure deployment to foster cleaner freight operations across the country.”

A final report, showcasing refined versions of the most desirable business model options across the three key focus areas, along with a TCO model designed to help fleet operators assess the costs of fleet electrification, is set to be published later in 2025.