Wincanton is bringing 24 electric HGVs into service this year, marking a major step towards its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. The new vehicles are supplied by DAF, Volvo, and Renault, and will operate at more than 40 tonnes.

The multimillion-pound project is expected to cut annual CO₂ emissions by around 2,400 tonnes. The trucks will hit UK roads this summer, supported by new charging infrastructure being installed at depots in Greenford, Portbury, Glasgow, and Northamptonshire.

Carl Hanson, Managing Director for Transport at Wincanton, said: “By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we’re cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers.”

Infrastructure and insight

The EV infrastructure rollout is being delivered in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve. It’s designed to make Wincanton’s transition to electric haulage scalable and smooth, giving the business a framework for wider deployment.

This initiative supports Wincanton’s participation in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia. Both are part of the Department for Transport-backed ZEHID programme, managed by Innovate UK. Simon Buckley of Innovate UK said: “These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector.”

The move is part of a broader sustainability drive. Around 85% of the Wincanton fleet serving Screwfix already runs on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The firm also delivers for IKEA using electric vehicles and continues to develop its EyeQ digital platform to increase fleet efficiency.

Delivering long-term results

EyeQ combines technology, data, and operations insight to improve route planning and cut emissions. Wincanton says it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 10% using this tool. In the last financial year, the company cut its combined scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 18%.

Hanson added: “Low-emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics, but widespread adoption is still years away. In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.”

Wincanton became the UK’s first premium home delivery service to offer carbon-neutral deliveries in 2021.

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