Scotland’s progress in developing EV charging for road freight.
The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight at Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with Transport Scotland, has recently released a groundbreaking report highlighting the urgent need for electric vehicle infrastructure to support heavy goods vehicles in Scotland on the journey to achieving zero emissions.
Titled ‘Towards Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure in Scotland’, this report underscores the pivotal role of investing in electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen infrastructure at fleet depots and key locations along major roadways such as the A9, A90, and M74 in accelerating the transition to zero emission road freight.
The report outlines how locations like truck stops, fleet depots, lorry parks, and ports can serve as catalysts in enabling road freight operators to transition to all-electric fleets through the installation of new charging infrastructure. It stresses the importance of more comprehensive journey data from heavy goods vehicle fleets to create a more informed framework of freight charging needs in Scotland, urging operators to contribute to this data collection effort. An updated report is set to be released in 2025 once more data has been gathered, offering a deeper insight into these critical infrastructure requirements.
In response to the report, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop commended the research conducted by Professor Phil Greening and the team, emphasising the significance of targeted infrastructure investments to facilitate the adoption of zero emission heavy goods vehicles in Scotland. This serves as a guide for private charge point companies and electrical Distribution Network Operators, directing investment towards areas where it can make the most impact in supporting sustainable economic growth while safeguarding air quality and climate.
Professor Phil Greening, a distinguished logistics expert at Heriot-Watt University and Director of The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, expressed the importance of data-driven insights in identifying critical charging and refuelling locations for zero emission heavy goods vehicles across Scotland. While significant progress has been made using available data sets, there remains a need for continued collaboration with freight operators to gain a deeper understanding of their requirements beyond the core road network. Ensuring range confidence for operators is essential in facilitating a seamless transition to a net zero transport system.
Electric trucks are already making strides on the roads, with most short haul freight deliveries achievable without additional charging stops. However, to fully electrify all freight routes in Scotland, the provision of charging points for electric heavy goods vehicles at depots and along key freight routes is imperative, especially on the busiest routes.
As Scotland pushes ahead with its Heavy Goods Vehicle Decarbonisation Pathway, this report lays the groundwork for a sustainable future in freight transportation, aligning with the government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions. By investing in the necessary infrastructure and fostering collaboration with industry stakeholders, Scotland is paving the way for a greener, cleaner, and more resilient road freight sector.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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