Uncategorized – eFreight 2030

eFREIGHT 2030 Members Out in Force at the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit 2025

Several eFREIGHT 2030 members championed electrification at the 2025 Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit in September. Hosted at Tyseley Energy Park, the event gave attendees the opportunity to hear from DAF, Voltempo and Berkeley Coachworks amongst others. Unlike typical conference formats, workshops across the afternoon focused on a hands-on approach to decarbonisation solutions, with active demonstrations and tours of the facilities at the energy park.

Voltempo

It was an historic day for the consortium leader Voltempo as Sir Vince Cable cut the ribbon on the company’s facility where it has now begun manufacturing HyperChargers. While other talks at the summit covered alternative fuels such as HVO, hydrogen, CNG and LNG, Voltempo highlighted how its HyperCharger is a breakthrough technology for electric trucks.

Designed specifically for trucks, the HyperCharger is a plug-and-charge solution without screens or an interface. Drivers just plug the truck in and Voltempo’s software can identify the vehicle. Coloured lighting on the charger indicates charge status, making the system easy to understand.

The charging equipment is accompanied by a slimline unit which houses the brains of the system. Now manufacturing has officially commenced, the team plans to build an additional 26 systems this year. Following Tesla’s example, Voltempo wants to install charging infrastructure in strategic locations in preparation for wider eHGV adoption.

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo explained his vision for the regulatory landscape needed to support freight decarbonisation. After the depot charging scheme concludes, Boxwell expects more government support for infrastructure installations. He also expressed the need for an industry-wide long term decarbonisation plan which can be presented to the government to guide legislative changes required to execute the plan.

With a clear roadmap from industry, Boxwell believes this will allow infrastructure providers to invest in charging installations with the confidence in how it will be used. He argued this will give the industry leverage to ensure it gets priority grid access to electrify fleets.

Although the initial period to get involved with eFREIGHT 2030 has passed, Boxwell reminded attendees that the consortium has launched an associate membership scheme to allow other operators to benefit from the programme.

Berkeley Coachworks

Attendees were also given an insight into Berkeley Coachworks’ novel approach to electrification. The team explained that trailer technology has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. Instead of continuing to use trailers as passive assets, Berkeley is developing an active trailer solution which can act as a range extender for eHGVs.

The goal is to mount batteries on the trailer with enough capacity to increase the truck’s range by at least 50% in 45 minutes. This would require approximately 1.5 tonnes of battery weight. As payload restrictions are often cited as key barriers to eHGV adoption, just adding batteries to trailers would be counterproductive.

Instead, Berkeley is aiming to take 1.5 tonnes off the weight of a standard trailer to maintain equivalent payload capacity. Since they have a fairly basic design to begin with, alternative materials are seen as the best way to lightweight trailers. The team brought a number of examples with them including a comparison between composite and steel wheels. A standard steel truck wheel weighs around 44kg, Berkeley’s composite solution cuts that to 16kg.

Elsewhere on the vehicle, lightweight recyclable trailer panels can help to save around 500kg per boxside. Berkeley recently acquired a Northern Irish manufacturer that specialises in these panels, bringing its manufacturing capabilities in house.

While composite materials can offer significant weight savings, these solutions can be costly and energy intensive. Rather than use carbon fibre, Pembrokeshire wool from local farmers near Berkeley’s headquarters in South Wales is being used with bioresins. Due to regional conditions, wool from the area is typically unsuitable for clothing, making it the ideal sustainable solution for composites since it would otherwise go to waste.

To reach its target weight reduction, Berkeley intends to tackle the chassis next. However, the company is mindful of creating lightweight components that can be retrofitted to existing trailers. Over the next six months, the plan is to start looking at lightweighting other types of trailers including double deck units. A motorised hands free side slide system for curtainsiders is also in development.

Early ambitions for the trailer electrification project will see the trailer used as a mobile recharging station. In future though, trailers could be fitted with e-axles to not only recover energy during braking but to add driven axles which can help to improve fuel efficiency, even with a diesel tractor unit. Berkeley is keen to fully explore the possibilities of reframing trailers as active assets.

DAF Trucks

In partnership with the dealer Ford & Slater, DAF showcased a range of eHGVs including units supplied to consortium members Tarmac, Maritime Transport, Kuehne+Nagel and Wincanton. While the manufacturer is trialling other alternative fuel options across the PACCAR group, its primary focus is electrification.

Unlike other truck makers that favour nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery technology, DAF uses lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) chemistry for its longevity and suitability for road transport applications. As well as highlighting the charging options offered through PACCAR Power Solutions, the presentation emphasised the importance of driver training to get the most out of eHGVs.

Alongside trucks funded by the ZEHID programme, DAF is anticipating more than 100 of its electric trucks will be deployed with UK customers by the end of 2025. The eHGVs on display at Tynseley Energy Park showcased the variety of applications existing technology can satisfy.

EFREIGHT 2030 Steering Group Member, Andrew Scott, Positive Connections UK and TVS, took part in the “Feeding the Consultation” panel discussion, which focused on the Government’s forthcoming consultation on decarbonisation and electrification of the road freight sector. The session explored what industry stakeholders want to see reflected in the consultation, including priorities such as vehicle weight and dimension changes to support battery-electric operations, residual value guarantees, and clarity on ICE phase-out timelines. Andrew joined fellow panellists Lamech Solomon (Logistics UK), Colin Matthews (JouleVert), and Matthew Deer (Swain Group) to discuss how industry and Government can collaborate to shape a practical, commercially viable pathway to zero-emission road freight.

Andrew Scott speaking at the MotorTransport Decarbonisation Summit 2025

Voltempo celebrates start of series production for British-built HyperCharger

Megawatt charging technology designed for electric trucks paves the way for zero-emission freight.

Voltempo has commenced series production of its advanced megawatt charging system (MCS) – the HyperCharger – marking a major milestone for the UK’s transition to zero-emission road freight.

Sir Vince Cable, Chair of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, officially opened the facility on 23 September with a ribbon-cutting event at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham, where Voltempo has grown rapidly over the past 20 months, expanding from three employees to a team of over 50. This growth reflects a significant investment in the city and the creation of highly skilled technical engineering jobs that are helping to drive the UK’s clean energy transition.

Supporting the UK’s zero-emission freight transition
Voltempo is the lead partner of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, part of the UK government’s £200m Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID), delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. As the consortium’s charging infrastructure provider, Voltempo is playing a pivotal role in enabling the transition to zero-emission freight, with the HyperCharger at the heart of this transformation.

Under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, seven fleets and two charging hubs are deploying Voltempo HyperChargers, each with at least six bays and 1,000kW capacity, while a further two fleets are adopting Voltempo’s lower-powered chargers. The first eFREIGHT 2030 site is already operational, and by Q2 2026 will have deployed the UK’s largest network of MCS-capable chargers. Each HyperCharger is designed for on-site upgrades to support trucks with MCS charge ports at 700kW+ as soon as they arrive in the UK.

Designed for trucks, from the ground up
Unlike most available chargers, the Hypercharger is purpose-built for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Its striking and innovative “halo” design lifts and protects the heavy charging cables, preventing damage and making operation safer and more practical in busy logistics depots.

The HyperCharger’s intuitive LED halo interface removes the complexity often associated with charging. With no touchscreens, cards, or apps required, drivers can simply plug in and charge. Its OCPP 2.0 compliance ensures compatibility with all plug-and-charge enabled vehicles. The HyperCharger’s design also minimises downtime and maintenance, delivering a more reliable charging experience.

Scalable and energy-efficient
Capable of delivering over 1 megawatt of dynamically distributed power to up to six vehicles at once, the HyperCharger can be scaled across multiple charge points to support large fleets. Designed with sustainability in mind, the system uses low-power LEDs and consumes significantly less standby energy than many conventional chargers – helping operators cut both costs and carbon emissions.

Michael Boxwell, CEO of Voltempo, said: “Starting series production of the HyperCharger is a defining moment – not just for Voltempo, but for the UK’s journey towards zero-emission freight. Our technology has been designed from day one to meet the real-world needs of logistics operators, and we’re proud to be creating green jobs and driving innovation right here in Birmingham.”

Sir Vince Cable, Chair of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, said: “I’m delighted to officially open Voltempo’s new facility and mark the start of series production for the HyperCharger. This is a major step forward – not just for Voltempo, but for the UK’s transition to zero-emission road freight. The HyperCharger is central to the success of the eFREIGHT 2030 programme and demonstrates how British innovation can create skilled jobs, attract investment, and build the infrastructure we need to compete in the global clean transport economy.”

David Horsfall, Director of Property and Sustainability at Tyseley Energy Park, said: “It has been a pleasure to see Voltempo grow so substantially during their time at Tyseley Energy Park, expanding from just two people to a team of 50 in under two years. Their HyperCharger is a leading example of how the UK can innovate to support zero-emission freight. By working with industrial partners like Voltempo we can test and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies at scale – further strengthening TEP’s role as a national hub for clean energy and low-carbon transport.”

Neale Ryan, Head of Land and Maritime Transport at Innovate UK, commented: “Designed and manufactured in Great Britain, this showcases UK innovation in zero-emission freight, and highlights the power of UK support in helping companies like Voltempo progress through multiple stages of development. The ZEHID programme, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, will generate valuable insights into the future of road transport. Innovate UK is proud to support this effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”

Kuehne+Nagel secures industry first: fully-electric HGV freight channel crossing from Dover to Calais

eFREIGHT 2030 partners Kuehne+Nagel and Renault Trucks, together with P&O Ferries, have made transport history – and the headlines – with the first fully-electric HGV carrying freight across the English Channel from Dover to Calais. The Renault Trucks E-Tech T completed the landmark return journey aboard a P&O Ferries hybrid vessel, earning a spot on the front cover of July 31st edition of Commercial Motor.

This milestone demonstrates that clean transport is not a vision for the future, but a reality already operating on one of Europe’s busiest trade routes.

The Channel has been a vital artery of trade for more than a thousand years. Now, with the support of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, it has become next stage for a breakthrough moment in zero-emissions logistics.

The successful cross-border journey marks a turning point for sustainable freight. With the whole industry watching, the message is clear: clean transport is ready to deliver.

As the spotlight from Commercial Motor highlights, this isn’t a glimpse of what’s to come. It’s happening now.

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.”

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.

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

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!