GRIDSERVE: Electric Freightway Project Hits Milestone
Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE released the Electric Freightway Project's second report, marking a milestone in the UK's journey towards a carbon-neutral freight industry.
The project, a vital component of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme funded by the UK's Department for Transport and Innovate UK, aims to accelerate the transition to electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) in alignment with national net-zero goals.
Building momentum with electric HGVs
The Electric Freightway Project, led by GRIDSERVE, now boasts a consortium of over 30 partners who have collaborated on the design, demonstration and implementation of eHGV infrastructure across the UK.
Report 2, released today, highlights notable achievements since the initial project report in March 2024. It includes eHGV deployment by major UK operators such as A.F. Blakemore and Son, Samworth Brothers, Boughey and United Utilities, with additional partners eagerly awaiting delivery of their own eHGVs.
The partnerships mark a significant step forward for the project. Adding eHGVs to commercial fleets showcases electric transport's real-world application and viability, setting the stage for a broader rollout across the UK.
Data-driven insights pave the way for electrification
At the heart of the Electric Freightway initiative lies Hitachi ZeroCarbon's comprehensive data analytics platform.
The system is designed to objectively compare the operational performance of diesel HGVs and eHGVs, providing fleet operators with valuable data on efficiency, emissions and cost savings.
The insights derived from this platform will be instrumental in demonstrating the tangible benefits of electric HGVs and supporting businesses in making informed decisions about transitioning to electric fleets.
"Our analysis of environmental benefits alongside total cost of ownership will help provide a strong investment case for future eHGV deployments."
"We fundamentally believe that smart, actionable data can underpin enhanced battery health, fleet route planning and charging sessions, accelerating electrification. We are enabling logistics companies to compare total cost of ownership to make the investment case for transitioning their fleets to EVs."
Addressing industry challenges: Infrastructure design and development
One of the report's key highlights is the consortium's progress in designing infrastructure tailored to eHGVs. In partnership with GRIDSERVE, the project has prioritised the development of depot-based and public high-power charging stations, with the first sites expected to be operational in the coming months.
Sam Clarke, Commercial Lead at GRIDSERVE stated, "With Electric Freightway, we are writing the rulebook on the development and deployment of public and private eHGV infrastructure in real-time."
The infrastructure planning process involved detailed feasibility studies, site surveys and stakeholder consultations, with GRIDSERVE working to secure essential permissions and network capacity.
The rigorous groundwork ensures that the infrastructure created will support the seamless integration of eHGVs into everyday logistics operations across the UK.
Bridging industry and government for net-zero goals
The Electric Freightway Project highlights the importance of collaboration between Government and industry to meet the UK's carbon reduction targets. The Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, supported by the Department for Transport, is a prime example of how policy and innovation can work to create tangible impacts on the road.
Commenting on the project's progress, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood stated:
"Electric HGVs will play a large part in the future of our freight industry, so it's fantastic to see the successes of the projects detailed in this report.
A greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, so our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero-emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight."
A clear path to zero-emission freight
The Electric Freightway Project's second report demonstrates a clear trajectory towards achieving a sustainable, zero-emission freight network.
As the project continues, eHGV deployments, infrastructure installations and data collection will pave the way for further innovations in the industry.
With solid foundations in physical and digital infrastructure, Electric Freightway is well on its way to supporting the UK's vision of a greener, more sustainable future.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of EV Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2025.
EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.
