Innovate Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Trials 2025

Prof Colin Herron, Newcastle University, shares his thoughts after attending the Innovate Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure Trials 2025. 

The Innovate Zero Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and Infrastructure Trials event held in London on 6 March 2025, showcased significant advancements in the decarbonisation of the UK’s road freight sector. The event highlighted four major projects aimed at promoting battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell HGVs, with a strong focus on battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

GRIDSERVE Project

• Scale: Largest project with 30 companies involved.
• Infrastructure: 10 commercial depot charging locations and around 200 chargers capable of delivering 350kW.
• Fleet: At least 140 eHGVs to be integrated into fleets.
• Focus: BEV only, with charging hubs at motorway services for long-distance travel.

E Freight

• Investment: £76M project.
• Technology: National network of electric HGV charging hubs using Voltempo’s 1MW HyperCharging technology.
• Leadership: Led by Voltempo, chaired by Sir Vince Cable.
• Consortium Members: Includes Marks & Spencer, Eddie Stobart, Scania, Maritime, Wincanton, Renault, Menzies, DAF, and more.

ZENFreight

• Consortium: Leading truck manufacturers (DAF, Mercedes, Scania, Iveco, Volvo) and committed freight operators (Stobart, Maritime Transport, DFDS, Great Bear, Gregory Distribution).
• Fleet: 62 BEV vs 3 FCEV.
• Infrastructure: Nationwide network of electric charging and hydrogen refuelling locations across 25 depots and 7 fleets.

HyHAUL

• Focus: Hydrogen supply chain and refuelling infrastructure along the M4 corridor.
• Fleet: Up to 30 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks (FCET), primarily >40-tonne HGVs.
• Infrastructure: 3 state-of-the-art hydrogen refuelling stations.

• Battery Electric Dominance: The trials predominantly focus on BEV HGVs, indicating a strong industry shift towards battery electric solutions at scale.
• Data Analysis: Ricardo is tasked with analysing the data produced, including driver behaviours and opinions, to provide valuable insights.
• Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in charging hubs and refuelling stations are crucial for supporting the transition to zero-emission logistics.
• Pre-Adoption Trials: The BEV HGV trials are essential preadoption steps to ensure readiness for widespread implementation.

The event underscored the professional and systematic approach to introducing zero-emission HGVs in the UK, contrasting with the initial and ongoing introduction of cars and vans. The focus on BEV HGVs, coupled with robust infrastructure development, positions the UK as a leader in sustainable road freight solutions.