UK Freight’s Green Revolution: Electric HGVs and Clean Infrastructure Accelerate Net Zero Logistics

Welcome to Net Zero News, your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.

The UK’s freight and logistics sector is experiencing a profound green transformation, driven by rapid adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and the rollout of essential clean infrastructure. Royal Mail has taken a leading role by deploying eight DAF XD 350E electric HGVs at its Midlands and North West parcel hubs, replacing diesel-powered trucks. These vehicles, supported by ABB T360 ultra-fast chargers, slash carbon emissions by nearly 1,000 tonnes annually while reducing operational costs through onsite, renewable-powered charging hubs established via the Electric Freightway consortium. Royal Mail already utilises over 7,000 electric vans charged with 100% renewable energy as part of its journey toward net zero by 2040.

Meanwhile, Voltempo has begun series production of its groundbreaking HyperCharger megawatt charging system at its Birmingham facility. Launched under the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, part of the broader £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) initiative, the HyperCharger is designed to meet the rigorous demands of logistics operators and supports the scaling of electric freight nationally. This initiative underscores British innovation in clean transport infrastructure.

Market demand for zero-emission HGVs is rising sharply, with the first half of 2025 witnessing a 59.1% year-on-year increase in registrations reaching a market share of around 1% (183 units). Despite this positive trend, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has highlighted challenges such as depot grid connection delays of up to 15 years, calling for infrastructure prioritisation akin to that granted to data centres and renewable energy sites.

Momentum continued in the third quarter, with zero-emission HGV registrations soaring by 341%, hitting 225 units and achieving a record 2.4% market share. The industry, now Europe’s second-largest market for zero-emission HGVs by volume, continues to push for policies that ensure depot infrastructure is fast-tracked to support sustained adoption.

Freight and logistics operators are also embracing innovation. ZENFreight has introduced its first electric HGV a Volvo FM Electric paired with a high-capacity charging site at DFDS’s Sandhills Business Park depot in Liverpool. This closed-loop route between a Merseyside fulfilment centre and Liverpool Port is served by charging bays capable of 360 kWh, recharging trucks within two hours for multiple daily delivery cycles. Operating under the wider ZEHID framework, ZENFreight’s trial demonstrates the operational feasibility of electric freight in real-world conditions.

Infrastructure development continues apace: GRIDSERVE’s Electric Freightway has opened two of the UK’s first publicly accessible eHGV charging hubs, located at Extra Baldock and Moto Exeter. These are the start of seven planned hubs in 2026, designed in collaboration with Innovate UK and industry partners, and delivered through fast-track, real-world design and build approaches suitable for freight operations.

Charging facilities are expanding to key logistics routes, including Fleete’s EV Charging Hub at the Port of Tilbury. Funded via Thames Freeport’s seed capital, this hub will feature a 5MW setup with 16 rapid chargers including Heliox ultra-fast units and Voltempo megawatt chargers optimized for simultaneous heavy commercial vehicle charging. The hub will greatly reduce emissions and bolster the Port’s green credentials.

Alternative fuel strategies are also progressing. Certas Energy has opened an HVO-only fuel bunker at Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham, providing dedicated access to renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil a drop-in alternative that offers up to 90% CO₂ savings, supporting both local emission reduction targets and scalable low-carbon fuel deployment.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is repurposing its food waste to generate biogas and liquid biofuel, powering 30 HGVs at its Emerald Park distribution centre. This circular approach is expected to reduce annual emissions by over 3,000 tonnes, exemplifying how waste-to-fuel innovation contributes to freight decarbonisation.

What this means:
The UK logistics sector is increasingly decarbonising at scale, supported by accelerating electric HGV uptake and the parallel rollout of vital charging infrastructure. Royal Mail, Wincanton, ZENFreight, Amazon and others are pioneering operational use cases, demonstrating that clean freight is not just possible but commercially viable. Key enablers including ultra-fast and megawatt charging, alternative fuels like HVO and biofuel, and public-private collaboration under the ZEHID programme are addressing key barriers such as grid capacity and depot access.
More progress is needed: adoption of electric HGVs must continue to grow rapidly, underpinned by fast-tracked planning and investment in grid connections. Broader access to public and shared refuelling infrastructure, especially for SMEs and regional operators, is critical. The groundwork is now in place 2026 promises further milestones on the UK’s journey to green freight.

Upcoming Events:
Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference -16 June 2026, Edinburgh

Net Zero Nations Projects Conference – 6 October 2026, Westminster

Do you have technologies, innovations or solutions that can help public-sector net-zero projects?
Email: lee@net-zero.scot