Uncategorized – eFreight 2030

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!