The UK’s automotive industry is at a pivotal moment, driven by the urgent need to decarbonise and a wave of technological advancements reshaping the logistics landscape. The electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) sector stood out as both a challenge and an opportunity, offering a pathway to dramatically reduce emissions in one of the hardest-to-decarbonise areas of transport.
With a few hundred eHGVs now on UK roads, we’ve seen some progress. However, the sector remains in its infancy compared to over 400,000 diesel-powered trucks (approximately) that dominate the landscape.
In 2024, SMMT reported a 6% decline in diesel-powered HGV registrations compared to the same period in 2023. However, the market’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) share remained at 0.5%. This starkly contrasts the car market, where ZEVs now represent 18.1%—nearly 40 times higher—despite HGVs having only ten more years to phase out diesel by 2040.
However, the year was defined by significant strides in research, infrastructure development, and vehicle innovation. Barriers such as high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and operational challenges now highlight how far the industry still needs to go.
Driving innovation through R&D
Research and development continues to play a critical role in decarbonising the HGV sector, with several groundbreaking projects and innovations emerging in 2024. Manufacturers and technology companies are investing heavily in areas such as battery technology, hydrogen fuel cells, and lightweight vehicle materials to overcome the inherent challenges of decarbonising heavy-duty vehicles.
Next-generation battery systems, including solid-state batteries, are among the most promising areas. These offer higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer lifespans than traditional lithium-ion batteries. QuantumScape, a leading developer of solid-state battery technology, announced its partnership with PowerCo, Volkswagen Group’s battery company. Together, they’ve begun testing QuantumScape’s prototypes with the ofultimate goal to mass-producing battery cells.
Meanwhile, advancements in thermal management systems are also helping to improve the efficiency and safety of battery-electric HGVs.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology has also gained traction as a viable alternative for long-haul operations. Companies like Volvo and Daimler continue to test hydrogen-powered trucks that offer extended range and faster refuelling capabilities. While Toyota announced that it joined Coca-Cola and Air Liquide in testing a new hydrogen-fuelled long-haul truck to help further R&D in the category.
A growing charging network and infrastructure
While still in its early stages, the infrastructure to support electric HGVs is developing. In 2023, the UK government allocated £200 million to further develop the national EV charging infrastructure, including HGV-compatible charging hubs.
Four freight-focused projects are being funded as part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. This includes GRIDSERVE’s Electric Freightway, which is taking strides to integrate freight-friendly charging solutions into the national EV infrastructure. GRIDSERVE and Hitachi ZeroCarbon published their second report, sharing notable advancements, including the adoption of electric HGVs by multiple major fleet operators like Samworth Brothers.
Similarly, the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is deploying test fleets, establishing 1 MW charging hubs, and creating spaces explicitly designed for electric HGVs. These projects continue to support and build confidence in the future of electrification for businesses.
However, challenges remain in scaling this network fast enough to meet demand. To support the 300 eHGVs currently on UK roads, with more to join, significant investment in high-power, strategically located hubs is needed.
Exploring alternative fuels for heavy-duty vehicles
While electric HGVs have become central to the decarbonisation efforts, alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels are also gaining popularity as potential solutions. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, for instance, offer the benefit of quicker refuelling and longer ranges compared to currently available battery electric options, making them especially suitable for long-haul operations.
Some major players have already invested in hydrogen-powered HGVs. Several pilot projects are also underway in the UK to test hydrogen refuelling stations. Biofuels and synthetic fuels, while not entirely zero-emission, could provide a transitional solution, helping fleets to reduce emissions as the infrastructure for electric and hydrogen vehicles scales up.
Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to gain wider acceptance from 2028, with growth accelerating by 2035. Solid-state batteries are projected to reach commercial viability for HGVs between 2030 and 2035. Implementing these technologies will require a dual-focus approach, ensuring investment in both battery-electric and hydrogen infrastructure, alongside encouraging research into next-generation fuels.
Prioritising driver wellbeing
The human element in electrification must be recognised, as it offers a chance to redesign the ecosystem in which truck drivers work. Besides addressing vehicle requirements, electrification efforts should also focus on the impact on driver health, convenience, and overall job satisfaction.
Smart charging scheduling has the potential to improve driver wellbeing. By coordinating vehicle charging times with mandated rest breaks, drivers can effectively maximise their downtime without interruption. This integration ensures that drivers recharge both their vehicles and their wellbeing.
Future charging hubs could go further by adding features like rest areas, fitness zones, nutritious food options, and relaxing spaces. These hubs might become not just places for technical refuelling but also opportunities to prioritise driver comfort and wellbeing.
Collaboration and transparency
The zero-emission transition is not merely a technological or financial challenge; it is also a systemic one. The need for increased transparency, communication, and collaboration among stakeholders in the HGV ecosystem has become more apparent. These are the same issues that the EV market has faced and continues to address. At Drax, we support organisations across the UK with electrification strategies. From this, we understand that communication is essential for making reliable and future-proofed decisions.
Our 2024 Driving Change report identified a significant knowledge gap within the industry concerning EV adoption and a perceived lack of support. Many prospective adopters stated that a shortage of information increased their fears about committing. We are eager to promote more discussions, including those within the trucking sector, to ease any anxieties.
Fleet operators, manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and policymakers must collaborate to ensure a smooth transition. Clear, transparent communication about challenges – like infrastructure readiness, vehicle availability, and operational costs – can help build trust and enable better decision-making at every level.
The Zero Emission Freight Taskforce in Scotland highlights the value of cross-sector dialogue, and the rest of the UK could benefit from bringing together key players in the market. These platforms build the collaboration needed to align infrastructure planning, funding allocation, and technology rollouts with the industry’s real-world needs.
Preparation for the road ahead is critical
The future of zero-emission HGVs represents an unparalleled opportunity to achieve both environmental goals and economic growth. Supported by progressive policies, technological innovation, and targeted infrastructure investment, the path to zero-emission logistics is becoming clearer.
Yet, the road ahead demands collaboration across the public and private sectors. Integrating alternative fuels, accelerating relevant charging network rollouts, and a concerted focus on driver wellbeing are all important factors for an innovative transition.
By 2040, the goal of a fully zero-emission HGV sector is ambitious, and we could see some further recognition of this by the government in the next few years. However, with the right strategies, the UK will continue to make strong strides in the transition and set examples for other markets to follow.
More Information:
Drax Electric Vehicles: https://energy.drax.com/electric-vehicles/
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