UK Accelerates Green Freight with Electric HGV Infrastructure and Fleets

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In a landmark move for the nation’s logistics sector, the UK has recently unveiled its first public, turn-up-and-charge electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) hubs. Located at motorway service areas in Baldock and Exeter, these hubs mark the launch of Gridserve’s Electric Freightway project, designed to support zero-emission freight operations. This initiative is being supported by the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme in collaboration with Innovate UK, delivering critical infrastructure for the electrification of freight.

Meanwhile, Royal Mail is deploying its first eight electric HGVs DAF XD 350E models at its Midlands and North West parcel hubs. Supported by high-performance rapid chargers, these vehicles are expected to cut around 1,000 tonnes of carbon annually while reducing operational costs. This deployment is part of the Electric Freightway programme, backed by over £100 million in investments, including substantial government funding. The data gathered over coming years will support sector-wide decarbonisation efforts.

Freight operator Wincanton is also making strides, receiving its first 24 electric trucks from brands such as DAF, Volvo, and Renault. These long-haul vehicles promise an annual reduction of approximately 2,400 tonnes of CO₂. Wincanton is simultaneously rolling out depot charging infrastructure across several UK hubs, partnering with Voltempo and Gridserve, all under the ZEHID-backed Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer has introduced 85 zero- or low-emission vehicles into its supply chain, including battery-electric HGVs servicing stores in London and the South East, along with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks powered by biomethane. This marks nearly 10% of its transport fleet moving to cleaner energy solutions under its Plan A Net Zero by 2040 strategy.

Transport innovation is growing through consortium-led trials. ZENFreight, under the ZEHID programme, has brought John G Russell Transport into its hydrogen-electric and battery-electric HGV trials. Six vehicles three of each type are being deployed alongside depot-based charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in Scotland, enabling direct comparison of technologies.

Welch Group has launched the “12 Pillars of Change” via its TwentyForty innovation platform. These are practical, industry-led steps to guide zero-emission freight by 2040, ahead of the ban on new fossil fuel truck sales. The initiative brings together leaders across the freight ecosystem to define a realistic, actionable roadmap.

On the policy side, the Plug-in Truck Grant has been extended for another year by the Department for Transport. The scheme offers up to £25,000 for large trucks and £16,000 for smaller vehicles. The extension includes over £6 million in funding and forms part of a broader push that includes £200 million for zero-emission lorry rollouts and infrastructure. Freight contributes to roughly one-fifth of road transport emissions, making this grant critical for decarbonisation.

What this means:
Stakeholders across the UK freight landscape from parcel giants to supply chain specialists are accelerating the shift to zero-emission logistics. Significant progress is evident through the rollout of public eHGV charging hubs and electrified fleets, while hydrogen fuel cell trials offer a glimpse into future alternatives. Policy support, including grants that ease upfront costs, is helping to scale these innovations. Together, these developments signal that net-zero freight is increasingly viable and likely to scale rapidly.

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