Electric Freightway project accelerates UK eHGV transition as fleets surpass half a million zero-emission miles

Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE have today unveiled the third Electric Freightway report, demonstrating real project progress as eHGV orders surpass expectations and fleets record over a half a million zero-emission miles in the UK.

The report contains a number of important project milestones, including initial data-driven calculations that show eHGVs can achieve lower total cost of ownership (TCO), compared to equivalent diesel trucks, under certain conditions.

Led by GRIDSERVE as part of the Department for Transport and Innovate UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, the Electric Freightway project brings together more than 30 consortium partners to inform the UK’s transition to zero tailpipe emissions freight. Report 1 and report 2 focused on the project’s objectives and planning stages, while report 3 provides an update on the rollout of eHGVs and charging infrastructure.

This report highlights key developments for those participating in the project, including:

• The unprecedented demand for eHGVs from consortium partners as 79 electric trucks have been delivered to fleet operators, with a further 78 on order – far beyond the original target of 140 vehicles.
• Heightened industry interest and engagement with the project with more than 20 organisations now benefitting directly from subsidised eHGVs through Electric Freightway. This includes Amazon, Royal Mail, GXO and Wincanton, spanning sectors from retail and manufacturing to logistics and utilities.
• Real progress in EV infrastructure deployment. The first high-speed depot eHGV charging facilities have now been completed, including the landmark 10-bay shared Charge Yard at Nissan’s Sunderland factory – one of the largest dedicated eHGV charging hubs in the UK.
• Advanced work on public eHGV charging sites, a crucial step in enabling long-haul journeys and unlocking flexibility for operators.

Today’s report marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey to decarbonise freight, providing new insights into vehicle performance, charging infrastructure, and industry readiness. While it shows that energy constraints continue to be a barrier to electrifying charging sites, the project has strengthened the TCO and environmental arguments for creating a viable eHGV network.

Analysis in the report shows that under certain operational conditions, recognising each fleet is different, managers can reach cost parity with diesel vehicles after five years – with higher mileage operations standing to benefit more, lowering the overall total cost of ownership. Similarly, it reveals that the lifetime emissions of diesel trucks can be three times higher than eHGVs, and initial higher embedded emissions are usually offset within the first year.

Keir Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonisation said: “To create a cleaner planet and a stronger economy it’s essential the lorries and vans’ delivering goods across our country are supported to make the move to zero emissions. That’s why we’ve invested£200m to put more zero emission lorries onto our roads and build the charging network that keeps them moving. As this report shows the rollout is well underway and the future of freight is green.”

Sam Clarke, Head of eHGV, GRIDSERVE, commented: “Delivering the 10-bay shared charging depot at Nissan’s Sunderland plant is just the beginning of what a nationwide eHGV charging network can look like. As the number of miles undertaken by electric fleets continues to grow, our priority is ensuring the infrastructure keeps pace. This report demonstrates how a national eHGV charging network is beginning to take shape, but it’s only made possible by the industry working through the challenges together, and always with the needs of fleet managers front of mind.”

Alongside today’s report, Hitachi ZeroCarbon is unveiling a new TCO calculator, designed to help fleet operators assess the financial and environmental case for electric HGVs.

The interactive tool allows users to input their own operational data and instantly receive an estimate of total cost of ownership and the total CO₂e from their specified fleet. By making these insights publicly accessible, the calculator aims to remove uncertainty, support investment decisions, and give industry stakeholders confidence in the economics of zero-emission road freight.

Please find the TCO calculator here.

“Crossing half a million electric miles is a clear signal that eHGVs are not just viable, but already delivering in the real world,” said Leon Clarke, Head of Operations and Delivery at Hitachi ZeroCarbon.

“What really matters now is giving managers the tools and evidence they need to make the transition with confidence. That’s why we’ve launched our new total cost of ownership calculator, so fleets can build the business case for decarbonisation and bring their long-term operational goals closer into view. We’re helping the industry move the EV debate onwards from theory to reality, and in turn strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in developing the future of commercial transport.”

For more information visit our Electric Freightway homepage.

Electric Freightway reports

Report 1: Project introduction and approach

Report 2: Demonstration design and implementation

Report 3: Interim findings

The project is looking to understand attitudes towards eHGV adoption across the wider industry, including all sectors that are involved in this zero-carbon transition. If you’d like to share your views, you can do so by taking part in our survey.