ZEN Freight Project: A Leap Towards Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles

The future of sustainable transport is here, and it’s charging ahead with the Zero Emission National (ZEN) Freight consortium’s renewed efforts to demonstrate battery electric and hydrogen heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This ambitious initiative, part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, aims to revolutionise the logistics sector and accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy freight transport.

A Clear Vision for Decarbonisation

The ZENFreight project has undergone a strategic reset to enhance its mission of deploying zero-emission technology in real-world scenarios. By integrating both battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell (H2) trucks into operator fleets, this initiative is set to pave the way for sustainable logistics solutions.

Key Stakeholders on Board

The consortium boasts an impressive lineup of partners, including:

• Fleet Operators: DFDS, Eddie Stobart, Great Bear Distribution, Gregory Distribution, Maritime Transport, and Wren Kitchens
• Academic Partner: Imperial College London
• Truck Manufacturers: DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Scania, and Volvo Trucks

Dynamon, specialists in commercial fleet optimisation, are leading the project, ensuring that the integration of these technologies is both efficient and effective.

Project Highlights: A Comprehensive Approach

The ZENFreight consortium is embarking on an ambitious plan to introduce 78 vehicles into operator fleets, which includes 62 BEV and 16 H2 trucks. Each fleet will feature both technologies, allowing for a robust comparison against traditional diesel trucks.

Timeline and Funding

• Total Investment: £63 million
• Government Funding: £43 million
• Deployment Deadline: All vehicles are expected to be operational by March 2026, with a demonstration phase lasting five years.

During this period, the project aims to gather vital data to support the scalable deployment of zero-emission HGVs across the UK.

Building a Sustainable Charging Network

An essential component of the ZENFreight project is the development of a comprehensive network of depot-based electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations. Spanning 25 depots across seven fleets, this infrastructure will facilitate the efficient use of both fuel types, driving the sector towards a greener future.

Collaborative Infrastructure Sharing

The consortium members will share the complex depot charging infrastructure during the initial demonstration phase, promoting the adoption of BEV and H2 HGVs. This collaborative approach is vital for enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the industry.

Innovative Data Utilisation

To ensure the success of the project, the ZENFreight consortium will leverage Dynamon’s advanced data and planning software, ZERO. This tool will help stress-test the routes taken by zero-emission vehicles, beginning with simpler routes and gradually progressing to more complex scenarios that may require top-up charging.

Voices of Commitment

Dr Angus Webb, Founder and CEO of Dynamon, expressed confidence in the consortium’s collective efforts:

"Our consortium members have fully embraced this reset, demonstrating unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change."

Dr Isabella Panovic, Programme Manager for Zero Emission Freight at Innovate UK, reinforced the importance of this initiative:

"This project will help create the evidence base to decarbonise the UK’s heaviest road freight vehicles."

Join the Conversation

The ZEN Freight project stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future in logistics. With its strategic focus on zero-emission technologies, the consortium is poised to make significant strides in reducing the carbon footprint of heavy goods transport.

Are you excited about the potential of zero-emission HGVs? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more about sustainable transport solutions.

For further insights into the progress of the ZENFreight initiative, check out this article on Transport and Energy.