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Tag: EVs

Untangling Practical and Legal Hurdles to Sustainable Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and easing highways laws could help logistics providers to innovate and decarbonise their operations, write Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPD, and Ben Standing, partner in planning and environment at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson.

The UK’s logistics industry stands at the heart of the nation’s net zero ambitions, moving everything from manufacturing components to finished goods across complex supply chains that underpin the economy. As the government pursues its 2050 net zero targets, the role of logistics has never been more critical.

However, the environmental gains achieved in production risk being undermined if the carbon footprint is simply transferred to the delivery process – known as Scope 3 emissions, which are embedded in supply chains and account for the vast majority of a company’s carbon footprint. This interconnectedness means logistics companies are not merely participants in the green transition, but enablers of broader economic decarbonisation across multiple industries.

Management consultancy McKinsey & Company estimates the global logistics industry accounts for about 7% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with 80% of these emissions related to transportation. While there are already some exciting advances in the green logistics revolution, a number of practical, legal and regulatory hurdles remain.

Innovation driving change

A successful sustainability transition requires more than simply swapping diesel vehicles for electric alternatives. Innovation must address practical challenges including payload considerations, driver route optimisation, vehicle range limitations, and the development of both on-site and public charging infrastructure.

As part of its commitment to net zero by 2040, DPD has developed smart charging systems that allow drivers to book charging slots and join virtual queues, reducing anxiety about charger availability. It is also trialling fully-electric, autonomous robot deliveries in Milton Keynes, navigating the city’s traffic-free Redway network to access nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Practical and legal hurdles slowing progress

Despite technological advances, significant practical obstacles remain. Effective government support for a green transition within the logistics industry is therefore required via co-ordinated action across multiple policy areas. There are now about 80,000 charging points in the UK, but there is some way to go for the Department for Transport to meet its target of at least 300,000 points by 2030. A Public Accounts Committee report published in March 2025 found the government has been slow to address gaps in charge point provision, with regional divides and inequalities across the rollout.

The legal landscape surrounding emerging logistics technologies presents a complex web of regulatory requirements that are still evolving. The deployment of autonomous delivery robots on public highways raises novel legal questions about liability, insurance requirements, safety standards, and the interaction between automated systems and existing traffic regulations.

Current legislation was not designed to accommodate delivery robots, drones and other autonomous systems operating in shared public spaces. This creates uncertainty for logistics companies seeking to invest in these technologies while ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations. Establishing regulatory sandboxes would allow for safe testing and deployment of innovative technologies.

Insurance and liability frameworks require careful consideration when deploying new technologies. Questions arise about responsibility in the event of accidents involving autonomous systems, the adequacy of existing insurance products and the development of new risk assessment methodologies for novel technologies.

Collaborative pathways forward

McKinsey estimates worldwide demand for green logistics will reach £350bn by 2030, comprising 15% of total global logistics spend. This shows the prize for success is substantial: a logistics industry that not only reduces its own environmental impact, but enables broader economic decarbonisation while maintaining the efficient goods movement that underpins modern life.
The green logistics transformation, however, requires collaboration between industry, government and other stakeholders to untangle the various practical and legal challenges.

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EU Road Transport Toll Exemption Extended

Posted on by David Priestman

The European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles is a welcome step but broader Eurovignette reforms are still urgently needed.

IRU welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, to help encourage their market uptake. The Commission’s proposal extends the current exemption from road tolls and user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031. Announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the measure aims to support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport to help boost the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles and align with the EU’s CO₂ emission performance standards, which target a 43% reduction in emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2030.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “Extending toll exemptions is a much-needed signal of support for early movers investing in zero-emission vehicles. It acknowledges the reality that incentives, not penalties, are what truly accelerate decarbonisation in commercial road transport. However, IRU urges EU policymakers to address key gaps in the broader Eurovignette framework to ensure a fair and effective transition to low- and zero-emission road transport.”

IRU stresses the need for urgent action in the following key areas:

1. Including other low-carbon fuels: Vehicles powered by alternative liquid and gaseous fuels, such as e-fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, biofuels, and biofuel blends, should also benefit from substantial toll reductions to support immediate lowering of CO₂ emissions in transport through the uptake of clean fuels.

2. Earmarking of CO₂-related revenues: A temporary, mandatory allocation of all CO₂-related toll revenues to support the commercial road transport sector’s decarbonisation efforts is essential.

3. Avoiding double taxation: The current framework allows Member States to impose multiple CO₂-related charges (e.g. rate variation and external cost charges), which risks overburdening operators and undermining investment in clean technologies.

“At this critical stage, when the sector must scale up its investment in zero-emission vehicles, which remain significantly more expensive, a temporary earmarking of CO₂-related toll revenues to support this transition is essential,” concluded  Marian. “Without this, many operators will struggle. Moreover, the Eurovignette framework must go further by recognising the contribution of low-carbon fuels already reducing CO₂ emissions. An inclusive and balanced approach is the only way to ensure a fair and effective green transition.”

The proposal will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

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Urban Final-Mile Delivery Firm Launches

Posted on by David Priestman

RELM Logistics (Consultants) officially launched this week with a bold mission: to revolutionise final-mile urban delivery by making it cleaner, smarter, and more cost-effective. As congestion, emissions, and operational costs continue to climb in city centres, RELM offers a compelling new model that leverages micro-mobility, containerisation, and data-driven fleet optimisation.

Founded by a team with over 70 years of collective logistics experience, RELM is a specialist consultancy helping logistics operators, retailers, and local authorities navigate the complex realities of urban deliveries. The consultancy draws on real-world results — including eight years of successful cargobike-based 3PL operations — to offer clients tailored solutions that reduce emissions while improving efficiency.

“The logistics sector is under immense pressure to cut costs and emissions, but simply electrifying van fleets isn’t enough,” says RELM founder James FitzGerald. “We’re here to help businesses go beyond compliance — to reimagine the urban supply chain entirely.”

Cleaner Air Through Smarter Logistics

Urban centres now face unprecedented delivery challenges: congestion has driven average city speeds below 10mph; Low and Zero Emission Zones are expanding; and parking restrictions lead to costly PCNs. Meanwhile, over 20% of the UK’s population live or work in just ten dense cities — making sustainable, high-efficiency urban logistics more urgent than ever. RELM’s multi-modal, Swiss Army knife approach replaces ‘van think’ with adaptable, data-led fleet composition. High-capacity cargo bikes — with 2m³ volume and up to 300kg payloads — are central to this shift, often outperforming traditional vans in dense urban environments while cutting emissions and cost-per-drop.

Micro-Containerisation: The Game Changer

RELM highlights micro-containerisation as the future of urban logistics. This innovative model streamlines the entire delivery chain, reducing handling, boosting rider productivity, and enhancing traceability. In recent trials with a national grocery retailer, cargo bikes using pre-packed containers matched — and in some cases surpassed — vans in both speed and energy use, even in demanding ‘pick from store’ models.

For parcel carriers, containerisation offers even greater returns. One national delivery firm recorded a 30–45 minute daily time-saving per driver by shifting overnight packing away from riders. RELM sees this as just the beginning. “Implementing micro-containerisation isn’t just a final-mile fix — it’s a full supply chain upgrade,” says the RELM team. “It enables scalable, repeatable systems that drive down cost and emissions at every stage.”

Hands-On Expertise, Real-World Impact

From cold chain compliance to charging infrastructure, RELM supports every aspect of a successful transition to micro-mobility. Services include:

• Vehicle selection and field trials
• Site audits and logistics benchmarking
• Rider recruitment, training, and ops setup
• Lithium-ion battery safety and charging guidance
• Custom fabrication for specialised goods
• Cold-chain and oversized freight solutions
• New vehicle integration with existing route optimisation software
• Micro-mobility fleet maintenance and workshop facility design and operation

Having worked with past clients including Harrods, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Ocado Zoom, and multiple London boroughs, the team at RELM bring proven experience to help businesses not just adapt — but lead.

E-Commerce at a Crossroads

UK online retail has surged from 3% of sales in 2006 to nearly 30% today — but RELM argues the ceiling could be far higher if logistics costs weren’t a limiting factor. “Retailers are reaching the limits of cost-efficiency with current models,” says RELM. “Physical stores won’t get cheaper — but online fulfilment can. Real gains lie in operational redesign, not just swapping vans for smaller vans.”

With strategic implementation of containerisation and micro-mobility, RELM believes businesses could push ecommerce penetration to 60% and beyond. “The winners will be those who master this shift. The rest will fall behind.”

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EVs Taking Charge

Posted on by David Priestman

Shell Commercial Road Transport’s Aleid van der Wiel discusses how the ‘chicken and egg’ scenario surrounding the future uptake of electric trucks can be solved with effective charging infrastructure.

Europe needs its commercial road transport (CRT) fleets to invest in electrification. And, to make the case for investment, fleet managers need to know they can continue to operate across their existing routes as cost competitively as possible with electric vehicles (EVs).

However, this is where they often come up against a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario: On the one hand, EV trucks are available, but customers are reluctant to invest because the charging infrastructure needed to support them is not fully in place yet and at scale; on the other, energy suppliers are hesitant to invest in the charging infrastructure required because there are not yet enough EV trucks in use to make it commercially viable.

So, how do we resolve this? We talked to Aleid van der Wiel, Head of Public eMobility & Power for Shell Commercial Road Transport, about the importance of effective charging infrastructure and how CRT businesses can access the solutions that meet their unique operational needs.

Logistics Business (LB): How is a lack of charging infrastructure preventing the acceleration of electrification?

Aleid van der Wiel (AvdW): Our research highlights that nearly two-thirds (64%) of CRT fleets believe the energy infrastructure needed for emissions reduction is currently not robust or reliable enough to support their operations. This undermines the business case for electric truck adoption while making it more difficult to justify the investment in charging infrastructure at scale. Conversely, having the right strategic infrastructure in place can help fleets to reduce their total cost of ownership (TCO) by increasing efficiency and managing energy usage (enabling them to charge at times when electricity prices are lower).

LB: How can CRT fleets access the charging infrastructure they need?

AvdW: It’s critical for them to work closely with expert providers to develop an effective charging strategy, supported by tailored solutions that meet their specific operational needs – now and in the future. At Shell, we’re working with CRT fleets to identify the right charging set-up for their needs – giving them peace of mind that they’re investing in resilient operations that drive efficiency today while supporting the ongoing growth of their EV fleet. This includes eDepot solutions that deliver seamless private charging for trucks – covering high-quality charge point hardware, software that enables fleets to manage their charging needs efficiently at scale, and on-site energy solutions.

We also have a growing on-the-go public charging network for CRT fleets that will build on our first heavy-duty public truck charging site, opened in 2023 at Eindhoven Acht in the Netherlands. Giving fleets access to 300kW charging bays, parking facilities and the ability to book guaranteed charger availability, the site aimed to show how fleets can operate their routes efficiently using EV trucks.

LB: How important is collaboration between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and energy suppliers?

AvdW: It’s hugely important for us to collaborate with OEMs to drive the adoption of electric trucks. In terms of developing charging solutions, we’re working closely with OEMs to make sure our customers have the best user experience at the charge site.

For example, we’re collaborating to make sure our hardware connects seamlessly, allowing customers to recharge quickly, reliably and at the expected power levels so they can keep to their schedules. This includes investing in charge point technology designed to deliver interoperability and quality, as we have done through our acquisition of SBRS in 2022. It also includes testing the connection between charge points and trucks at our Hamburg lab to help us and OEMs develop better solutions.

LB: What is your vision for the future of CRT electrification?

AvdW: We see high-quality, high-speed and flexible charging as the future. But that’s not all about the infrastructure or the hardware. To make sure fleet TCO remains low, businesses need to
integrate those elements with fleet and energy management to drive efficient and cost-effective operations. Software (including AI systems) has a crucial role to play in this, linking fleet schedules to energy markets to help fleet managers develop routes that provide the cheapest and most reliable charging options – out on the roads or back at the depot.

It’s also important to show fleets what this level of integration looks like. That’s why we’ve developed our first Megawatt (MW) dual charger for commercial road transport and marine applications as a proof of concept at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA). The aim is to show both industries how a fully integrated system for sustainable energy management (featuring its own microgrid and standardised connectors) can support their decarbonisation ambitions while helping businesses to remain cost competitive by operating efficiently.

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Electric Truck with Fuel-powered Range Extender Tested

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Group and heavy goods vehicle manufacturer Scania have jointly developed an electric truck with a fuel-powered generator, making it possible to shift to battery-electric road transport without having to wait for a complete charging network. Fully electric vehicles are the ultimate solution in a sustainable transport system, and the shift to electric needs to accelerate now. There are, however, hurdles such as the lack of charging points, the high costs of ensuring enough charging capacity at the depots during seasonal peaks, and the strain on the grid and high spot prices for electricity on for instance calm winter days. This is where DHL’s and Scania’s Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) comes into the picture. The vehicle helps to overcome these hurdles while enabling DHL to drive 80 – 90% on renewable electricity.

The new e-truck will be deployed by the Post & Parcel Germany division in February for parcel transport between Berlin and Hamburg to test its performance in day-to-day operations, before additional vehicles are added to DHL’s fleet. The fuel-powered generator replaces one of the battery packs in a fully electric truck not needed for the majority of the transport routes, thus reducing the range coming from the batteries, but providing back-up energy for the mentioned scenarios. The vehicle has a possible range of 650 to 800 kilometers (subject to the findings from the test in Berlin) and can be refueled at any conventional petrol station, if needed. This compares with the 550 kilometers of Scania’s most modern and industry-leading 100 percent electric trucks with an equivalent maximum weight.

DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer said: “It is going to take some time before renewable electricity, the grid and charging infrastructure are available and robust enough to rely fully on battery-electric trucks, especially for a large-scale system like the German parcel network of DHL. Instead of waiting for this day to come, DHL and Scania are collaborating on a pragmatic solution for making logistics more sustainable and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80%. This vehicle is a sensible, practical solution that can make an immediate contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in freight transport short-term. Such reductions should be proportionally reflected in the road toll pricing and EU fleet emission scheme. We see this collaboration as a successful innovation project of two companies committed to battle climate change.”

The EREV has been developed by Scania Pilot Partner, exploring new technologies and solutions, in this case together with the strategic partner DHL. Range-extended electric vehicles offer a promising interim solution for significant CO₂e reductions, especially where infrastructure and other conditions for fully electric transport are lacking. EU and national policies should recognize and incentivize this concept through adequate recognition of the realistic emission intensity in and proportional road toll reductions.

Christian Levin, CEO, Scania, said: “The future is electric, but perfect must not be the enemy of good as we are getting there. The vehicle we have developed together with DHL is an example of interim solutions that can enhance the scaling of decarbonised heavy transport before the transport system eventually becomes 100 percent electrified. An effective climate transition requires that policymakers accept such solutions, while ramping up their investments in public infrastructure and other enabling conditions.”

The EREV is a 10.5 meter long truck with a maximum weight of 40 metric tons, powered by a 230kW electric engine (295 kW peak). Energy is delivered by a 416 kWh battery and a 120 kW gasoline powered generator. With the aid of the onboard generator – initially powered by petrol and later by diesel fuel/HVO – the truck’s range extends up to 800 kilometers. EREVs can be equipped with a software limiting the usage of the fuel-powered generator, thereby allowing CO2 emissions to be reduced and limited to a specified level. Its maximum speed is 89 km/h, with a cargo capacity of approx. 1,000 parcels (volume of a swap body). The truck can also pull a trailer with an additional swap body. The vehicle is to be deployed for “main carriage” transport between the cities of Berlin and Hamburg.

Deutsche Post AG and Scania CV AB filed a patent application for the technology with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) in Munich on September 19, 2024.

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Samsara Unveils Product Innovations and Strategic Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Cloud, unveiled its latest product innovations at its premier Go Beyond conference, London, designed to empower leaders with greater visibility across their operations and assets and gain deeper insights through AI. At the event, Samsara also announced a strategic partnership update with ACSS, further emphasising its commitment to driving technology innovation across the industry.

Go Beyond, taking place on 12 November in London gathers 250+ innovators across the physical operations industry, including Otto Car, Lanes Group, Fraikin, and more.

Connecting Operations to Drive Tangible Impact

Samsara’s latest product innovations further connect physical operations and fuel AI-powered insights to drive tangible results for businesses: Connected Training, Low Bridge Strike Alerting, Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System, and Privacy Mode.

• Connected Training: Despite being one of the most dangerous industries with millions of injuries each year, the transportation sector lacks modern training methods that are customised and adaptable for their unique work environments. With Connected Training,™ which is now available in beta in the UK, customers can have a data-driven training experience designed for continuous, remote learning via the Samsara Driver App. Managers can upskill their workforce by consolidating all training within the Samsara platform and connecting with existing workflows for a seamless employee experience. Early adopters have seen a 35% average decrease in safety events when using Connected Training.

• Low Bridge Strike Alerting: Around 2,000 bridge strikes happen in the UK every year, with the average collision costing UK tax payers around £23m a year. With Low Bridge Strike Alerting, fleet operators can set the maximum height for each vehicle in their fleet to minimise the chance of tall vehicles impacting the underside of bridges. Through Samsara Dash Cam in-cab audio alerts, drivers are warned whenever they approach a bridge that is too low to pass.

• Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS): In the UK, from 2025, an EBPMS will become one of the two only accepted methods for brake testing to maintain DVSA standards for roadworthiness. To help fleets prepare for this, Samsara designed its EBPMS solution — allowing fleets to maintain braking performance records by continuously collecting data from the installed EBPMS units. Managers will be proactively alerted in the Samsara dashboard when braking performance falls below acceptable standards, or if the electronic braking system detects faults, so they can take timely action. This minimises the need to present heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for physical laden roller brake tests and proves roadworthiness without the need to take vehicles to Ministry of Transport (MOT) testing facilities.

• Privacy Mode: This new feature within Samsara’s Video-Based Safety solution helps prevent accidents in real time without the need to record video. It allows customisation within Samsara’s Dash Cams, enabling recording on both driver and outward-facing cameras to be turned off at the administrator level. AI safety events will still be triggered, allowing drivers to be coached on the road, helping to prevent and reduce road accidents.

“These new product features have been driven by Samsara’s deeply embedded culture of customer feedback,” said Kiren Sekar, Samsara’s chief product officer. “We collaborate with some of Europe’s largest and most complex operational companies to solve hard problems using the unparalleled scale of our regional and global data. Our customers are using our platform to turn this data into real human impact by making roads safer and reconnecting their people to the work they love doing.”

“At Otto Car, we’re not waiting for the future to come to us; we’re leaning into it, and Samsara’s technology has been instrumental in helping us achieve that goal,” said Gurinder Dhillon, CEO of Otto Car. “Samsara’s technology has played a crucial role in our business and remains essential. I am personally excited to be part of this event and impressed by the breadth and depth of the ongoing innovation. Our future with Samsara continues to look very exciting.”

New Partnership Drive Industry-Wide Safety Innovation

In addition to the new product features, Samsara has announced a strategic partnership with commercial vehicle camera and security solutions provider ACSS.

“We’re pleased to welcome ACSS into our growing ecosystem of strategic partners,” said Philip van der Wilt, SVP and GM EMEA at Samsara. “By collaborating with these industry experts, we’re able to deliver comprehensive and user-centric solutions, enriching the overall experience for our mutual fleet customers.”

The collaboration with ACSS will combine the advanced capabilities of ACSS cameras with Samsara’s intuitive dashboard, allowing fleet operators to benefit from a seamless experience that centralises camera feeds, analytics, and operational insights in one platform. This gives them complete 360° vehicle coverage, reducing blind spots, enhancing driver visibility, monitoring cargo in real-time and mitigating risks such as fuel theft.

Paul Howell, Sales and Marketing Manager at ACSS said: “ACSS focuses on enhancing the safety of commercial vehicle fleets. Working with Samsara is the next step for us in providing a comprehensive safety platform. Harnessing the power of Samsara, ACSS are able to add, for the first time, 1080p, 360 vehicle coverage straight into the client dashboard. With the ability to pull through camera feeds from our DVS2 AI solution too, customers are finding dual return on their PSS investment. With the compliance box ticked they’re also able to use those same cameras to feed directly into their dashboard.”

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Alternative Fuel Programme to Accelerate Sustainable Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Girteka, the European transport company, has announced its new Alternative Fuel Programme (AFP), a key initiative in the company’s drive to decarbonize logistics operations by integrating HVO fuel into daily operations. This innovative program is designed to help customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions from road transportation by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel.

How the Alternative Fuel Program Works

The AFP is specifically tailored for companies with long-term contracts that are committed to sustainability and looking to significantly reduce their transport emissions. The process is simple – when customers opt for transportation services using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), Girteka utilizes trucks in areas with the necessary infrastructure to refuel with this alternative fuel. The amount of fuel required for the customer’s transport is matched, even if it’s used by another truck in the network. Customers then receive a detailed report showing the emissions reductions achieved through their participation. The program is available to customers with dedicated lanes, excluding spot market services.

“Sustainability is becoming now a core part of corporate strategies,” said Viktorija Terekė, Head of Sustainability at Girteka. “With the Alternative Fuel Programme, we offer our customers a reliable and transparent way to reduce emissions, without requiring them to redesign their existing supply chains.”

Benefits for Customers

Participating in the Alternative Fuel Programme brings several benefits:
• Emissions Reduction: Up to a 90% reduction in emissions compared to diesel, helping customers meet EU climate goals.
• Transparency: All transport is traceable, with fuel and emissions data available for audits and sustainability reporting.
• Certification: The fuel used is certified by suppliers, ensuring full traceability and transparency.
• Corporate Reputation: Companies benefit from enhanced public perception, as consumers increasingly prioritize products transported with lower emissions.

At the core of Girteka’s Alternative Fuel Programme is a rigorous emissions calculation methodology based on the GLEC framework. This ensures that emissions reductions are accurately measured, making the data trustworthy and audit-ready.

“Our calculations are directly tied to each transported load,” said Terekė, “We can show our customers exactly which truck was used, when it was refueled, and with what kind of fuel. Each refueling transaction is fully certified by our fuel suppliers, so there’s no room for guesswork.”

A Transparent and Scalable Approach to Emissions Reduction

Unlike Book & Claim programs or mass balancing, Girteka’s AFP is an intermediate solution that offers both the traceability of direct emissions reductions and the scalability needed for larger operations. Similar initiatives in the aviation and ocean freight sectors focus on balancing emissions without the same level of direct impact.

One of Girteka’s strategic partners has already integrated the AFP into its operations. “We were looking for ways to reduce our transport emissions without disrupting our supply chain, and Girteka’s AFP provided exactly what we needed. The transparency, traceability and reporting of the program gave us confidence, and we’ve been able to significantly improve our sustainability reporting,” said a company representative.

Since its launch, the program has already attracted dozens of similar strategic partners, with interest continuing to grow as more companies recognize the tangible benefits of reducing emissions in a traceable, transparent way. Alternative Fuel Programme is designed to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals while reducing emissions in a practical and transparent way. As the demand for cleaner transport solutions grows, the AFP offers a viable alternative to traditional fuel methods, helping companies make a real impact in decarbonizing the logistics sector.

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eFREIGHT 2030 Powers Ahead with First Electric HGV

Posted on by David Priestman

eFREIGHT2030 has announced the delivery of its first electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) as part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, marking a significant milestone in the decarbonisation of road freight transport.

The 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4×2 has been delivered to Welch’s Transport, the Cambridgeshire-based freight, haulage and logistics business where it will operate out of their flagship site in Duxford, Cambridgeshire on regional distribution and long-haul deliveries. The arrival of the E-Tech also marks the first deployment of Renault Trucks’ heavy duty regional distribution model in customer operations in the UK.

Welch’s Transport and Renault Trucks are among the fourteen founding members of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, part of the ZEHID Programme funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, which is introducing 100 eHGV tractor units and 32 new charging locations over a multi-year real world evaluation of electric HGVs that will shape the future of zero emission transport.

Family business, Welch’s Transport, brings 90 years of experience as a leading logistics provider in the East of England, with 160 staff and a fleet of 80 vehicles which comprises a mix of electric, diesel, and specialist HGVs. The introduction of the first Renault Trucks E-Tech T, which will be joined by a second early next year, marks a major step in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. This follows Welch’s 2023 investment in a 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide for Cambridge’s first Net Zero delivery service and the installation of the UK’s first publicly accessible 150kW supercharger at its Duxford site, where the new eHGVs will be charged.

With zero tailpipe emissions, the E-Tech T is powered by six 90 kWh batteries and three electric motors, delivering up to 490kW continuous power and maximum torque of 2400Nm, coupled to Renault Trucks’ Optidriver AT 2412 12 speed automated gearbox.

The E-Tech T will handle general haulage and pallet distribution, supporting Welch’s Transport’s commitment to zero-emission deliveries in and around Greater Cambridge and beyond. Michael Boxwell, Group CEO of Voltempo, which heads up the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first electric HGVs on the road with Welch’s Transport as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, which combines the operational and technical expertise necessary to decarbonise road freight transport from the largest fleets to SMEs. We’re eager to start gaining insights into the real-world performance of eHGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs at scale.”

Chris Welch, Managing Director of The Welch Group said: “We’re incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this landmark shift towards decarbonising road freight. The introduction of our first fully electric 42-tonne HGV is not just a step forward for the Group, but a crucial milestone for the industry. This vehicle demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency can go hand in hand as we work to make zero-emission freight a reality. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the SME environment and leading the way in sustainable logistics for the UK.”

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland said: “We’re delighted to see the first E-Tech T on the road with Welch’s Transport and look forward to many more joining eFREIGHT 2030 member fleets in the coming months. With over 100 Renault Trucks battery electric vehicles already operating in the UK, our dealer network—backed by four years of investment and development—is fully prepared to support operators as the industry accelerates this vital transition.”

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and I’m delighted that e-FREIGHT 2030, Renault Trucks and Welch’s Transport are coming along on the journey. A greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight. This is an excellent example of industry and government collaborating to reach net zero.”

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Rental Fleet Investment Announced

Posted on by David Priestman

Commercial fleet provider Fraikin is investing £35 million in 400 new vehicles to support its national short-term rental fleet, expanding and modernising its offering to customers across the UK.

The new additions, which are all compliant with Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and equipped with Fraikin’s digital MYSMARTFLEET connected technologies package, now means that 80% of the company’s total rental fleet will be under 12 months old.

Spread across vans, LCVs and HGVs, from a range of major manufacturers, the new vehicles feature a wide selection of body types, including refrigerated, dropside, curtainside and box bodies, as well as specialist equipment such as MOFFETT carriers. Fraikin has also committed to supporting customers looking to quickly and easily reduce their carbon footprint, adding a number of fully electric 3.5-tonners to the fleet.

Peter Backhouse, Chief Executive Officer of Fraikin in the UK, says: “This significant investment clearly demonstrates the strength of Fraikin, our long-term commitment to the industry and our dedication to providing the very best mobility solutions for customers, providing access to the latest vehicles and the most diverse range of rental options available in the market today. Adding extra EVs to the fleet means we’re in a position to help businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, alongside supporting those who may want to test the EV market before making longer term fleet decisions. This commitment to sustainability allows us to meet the needs of today but also contribute to a greener future across the industry.”

Every rental vehicle from Fraikin comes fully equipped with the company’s advanced connected technologies and telematics suite, MYSMARTFLEET. Customers can utilise features including vehicle tracking, route optimisation, digital vehicle checks, tachograph downloads, driver behaviour reporting and EV suitability assessments to help improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, as well as enhance fleet sustainability.

Fraikin’s full-service approach means all rental vehicles also benefit from 24/7 customer service support; a fully managed preventative maintenance and repair service via Fraikin’s UK-wide network; rapid roadside response; replacement vehicle cover; tyre management; online access to vehicle records; as well as a professional inspection and valet on every vehicle delivery.

Jackie Headon, Fraikin’s Head of Rental, adds: “Our goal is always to meet the wide-ranging needs of our clients, and this investment allows us to do just that. Through this investment we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering flexibility and scalability to customers, helping them remain compliant with new legislation and to meet the evolving needs of their businesses.”

Fraikin offers comprehensive short- and medium-term rental packages, alongside a longer-term Fraikin Xtend solution that combines the financial benefits associated with contract hire with the flexibility of short-term rental. All the new vehicles are accessible via the company’s strategically placed Northern, Midlands and Southern Rental Hubs, located in Bellshill, Coventry and Enfield respectively.

The company’s short-term rental fleet also supports customers benefiting from its contract hire and fleet management solutions, which provide total support for large and often complex operational fleet environments.

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eBook: Decarbonisation of Transport Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

In this eBook, entitled Decarbonisation of Transport Operations, Editor Peter MacLeod delves into the comprehensive efforts of Girteka, a Vilnius-based international logistics company, to tackle the environmental challenges facing the transport industry. As one of Europe’s largest logistics operators, Girteka is committed to achieving ambitious sustainability goals. This eBook explores the innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies the company is employing to decarbonize its extensive European transport operations.

Click here to read it now for free.

Featuring interviews with Volvo Trucks, DPD and VIIA, we explore how to de-carbonise multimodal operations and road transport, using EVs and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.

Decarbonisation of Transport Operations

With everyone talking about sustainability these days, the term has become a bit of a buzzword. A company that wishes to describe itself as sustainable has to be a responsible business overall, not just taking in consideration its effect on the environment. With an extensive transportation network to operate, Girteka understands very clearly the challenge that lies ahead to be truly clean and green, and is taking proactive steps to decarbonise its transport operations and customers’ supply chains.

Discover how Girteka is leading the charge in reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining the efficiency of its logistics services across Europe.

Ambitious legislation such as the European Green Deal aims to drive businesses towards zero carbon by 2050, meaning businesses such as Girteka have to follow a sustainable route today, not
just by talking about it but actually taking steps, no matter how small.

Girteka, by the pure nature of its business, is part of an industry sector that is one of the most carbon-hungry of all – the business of moving goods from A to B as effectively, safely and fast as
commercially possible. Therefore it has to work extra hard in its quest to move towards zero carbon, the decarbonisation of transport operations.

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Legislation on its own will not work – the desire to operate a logistics business with little or no impact on the environment has to come from within, and Girteka has very strong credentials in this area. Its Head of Sustainability, Viktorija Terekė, is responsible for steering the company along its decarbonisation journey. “We are always seeking a deep understanding of how sustainability will affect us now and in the long term,” she says. “Of course, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Green Deal pushed us to have a more holistic approach, and we found that our goals were not always aligned internally between all of our activities. So what we are doing now, at this point, is evaluating our activities and investing in internal resources to push forward our strategy.”

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