Net Zero News: Freightway eHGV retrofit wins hydrogen-EV funding

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. Today we report on a landmark update in sustainable freight transport as Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE have revealed the third Electric Freightway report, demonstrating more than half a million zero-emission miles logged across UK highways.

Net Zero News can reveal that the Electric Freightway pilot, launched in late 2023, has now accumulated over 500,000 miles of emission-free heavy goods vehicle operation. The trial spans the M6 corridor in the Midlands, the A14 in the East of England and key routes into London’s logistics hubs. Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s electric powertrain technology and GRIDSERVE’s charging infrastructure have been deployed in partnership with haulage firms to test real-world performance under full load.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the project uses battery-electric HGVs capable of 350 kW rapid charging and modular battery swapping, removing range anxiety from long-haul freight. This initiative supports the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and the broader commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as set out in the UK Government’s legally binding targets. Net Zero News understands this forms part of a wider strategy to introduce a zero-emission HGV mandate by 2035.

This milestone matters because freight transport accounts for nearly 18 per cent of total UK road emissions. By replacing diesel-powered trucks, the Electric Freightway could cut more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually if scaled nationwide. Operators also report quieter journeys and lower maintenance costs, while drivers welcome the elimination of local air pollutants. The success of this project paves the way for a new era of clean logistics and modernised supply chains.

Funding for the Electric Freightway has been provided through an £18 million Innovate UK grant and further investment from Hitachi ZeroCarbon, GRIDSERVE and industry partners. Delivery partners include the Department for Transport’s Net Zero Freight initiative, local authorities along participating corridors and UK Research and Innovation. These combined contributions have underwritten both the deployment of charging hubs at motorway service areas and the bespoke conversion of existing HGV fleets.

This project sits alongside the government’s National Infrastructure Strategy and supports the draft Heavy Goods Vehicles Zero Emission Roadmap. It complements initiatives such as the zero-emission freight corridors initiative (read more) and aligns with the European Green Deal’s logistics recommendations. Net Zero News understands that insights gained here will inform DfT policy updates and provide a blueprint for other UK regions aiming to decarbonise freight.

The Electric Freightway’s impact extends into local communities and across the haulage industry. Towns bordering the M6 and A14 report improved air quality and reduced noise pollution, while logistics companies have begun recruiting technicians skilled in high-voltage systems. Innovation in modular battery swapping is also attracting interest from other transport sectors. Meanwhile, stakeholders are convening at the upcoming Net Zero Nations Projects Conference (https://www.net-zeronations.co.uk/private-sector) to share learnings and explore further collaboration.

Looking ahead, the project team plans to extend trials to Scotland and Wales in 2026, with additional charging stations and a broader range of vehicle models. Key milestones include expanding to twenty HGVs on the A1 corridor by Q2 2026 and publishing a comprehensive lifecycle analysis by the end of next year. These next steps will determine the scalability of zero-emission freight across the UK’s most critical supply routes.

—

Net Zero News is powered by the Net Zero Club (https://www.net-zeroclub.co.uk).
Join the UK’s fastest-growing net-zero community.

Upcoming Events:
– Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference (https://www.net-zero.scot/private-sector-register)
– Net Zero Nations Projects Conference (https://www.net-zeronations.co.uk/private-sector)

Got a net-zero project to share? Email: lee@net-zero.scot