Consortium Tackles Decarbonisation of Scottish HGVs

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a significant leap towards a greener future, a new consortium spearheaded by Voltempo is set to transform Scotland’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) landscape. This ambitious initiative, dubbed SCALE—Scotland Charging to Accelerate Logistics Electrification—aims to tackle the substantial challenge of reducing the 12.8% of national CO₂ emissions attributed to HGV fleets. With the backing of Transport Scotland and its £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund, SCALE is poised to revolutionise the way logistics operate in the region.

The SCALE consortium is not just about numbers; it’s about people and partnerships. Voltempo will lead this charge by deploying next-generation electric HGV charging solutions, assembling a robust group of Scottish hauliers and logistics partners who are equally committed to steering the industry towards electric solutions. Among the prominent players in this consortium are Creel Maritime, collaborating through its Net Zero Timhaul partnership with Scotlog, and James Jones & Sons. These organisations will join forces with a broader network of carriers, all preparing to integrate new electric vehicles into their operations.

What does this mean for Scotland’s logistics sector? SCALE will introduce the latest electric HGVs, ranging from 7.5 tonnes to an impressive 44 tonnes. These vehicles will undergo rigorous testing in real-world applications across Scotland. From food distribution and next-day parcel deliveries to remote communities, to the critical movement of medical supplies, the capabilities of these electric giants will be thoroughly explored and validated.

At the heart of SCALE’s strategy is the establishment of a community-owned charging network. This initiative will focus on shared charging hubs designed to support both large and small fleets, effectively addressing the diverse needs of the industry. Acknowledging that smaller vehicle operators are the backbone of the Scottish haulier sector, dedicated financial support packages will be available to assist them in transitioning to electric solutions.

Voltempo will oversee the consortium’s operations from a new office in Glasgow, strategically located near the Voltempo HyperCharger sites set to launch in 2026. This proximity is expected to facilitate seamless coordination and implementation of SCALE’s ambitious objectives.

The groundwork for SCALE builds on Voltempo’s extensive experience as the project lead in the UK-wide eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, which is part of the UK government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID). This background lends credibility and expertise to the SCALE initiative, promising a well-planned and executed transition to electrification.

Transport Scotland will review the SCALE proposal in early 2026, and if all goes according to plan, the rollout of this vital initiative is expected to commence later that year. The successful implementation of SCALE could pave the way for a transformative shift in Scotland’s HGV landscape, significantly contributing to national decarbonisation goals.

Michael Boxwell, Founder of Voltempo, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Scotland has the vision, and now the opportunity, to accelerate the transition to zero-emission freight and we are delighted to be leading SCALE, a consortium specifically designed to give hauliers the confidence, the infrastructure and the support they need to make the switch to electric.”

He continued, “By working together, we can build a national charging ecosystem that works for every operator, from major fleets to the smallest rural haulier, and that allows Scotland to meet its ambitious freight decarbonisation targets.”

This initiative is more than just a response to climate change; it represents a collaborative effort to reshape the future of logistics in Scotland. The SCALE consortium embodies a commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of the global transition to electric transportation.

As we look ahead, it is clear that the journey towards a net-zero future is not merely a destination but a shared endeavour. The SCALE consortium exemplifies how collaboration, innovation, and community engagement can drive substantial change. With the right support and infrastructure in place, Scotland is on the verge of making history in its quest for a sustainable future.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments in this promising initiative and explore the broader implications of electrification in the logistics sector. Together, as champions of net zero, we can make a difference and contribute to a greener planet for generations to come.