Zero emission heavy goods vehicles and infrastructure
Supporting the development, uptake and demonstration of commercially available zero emission HGVs, and providing the crucial infrastructure to help the haulage sector decarbonise and transition to a zero-emission road freight sector in the UK.
Decarbonising Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Driving Toward a Zero-Emission Future.
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are the backbone of the UK’s supply chain, but they also account for a significant 20% of domestic transport CO2 emissions. As the nation races toward its net zero emissions target by 2050, decarbonising HGVs presents one of the toughest – yet most critical – challenges.
The Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, backed by circa £200m in funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, is rising to meet this challenge. With a bold vision to deploy around 350 of the heaviest battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on UK roads, the programme will also fund and support over 70 public and depot-based infrastructure installations by 2030.
This pioneering effort will not only accelerate the transition to zero-emission logistics but will also deliver transformative environmental and economic benefits. Every zero-emission HGV deployed has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to replacing dozens of passenger cars, highlighting their outsized impact on climate goals.
The ZEHID programme unfolds in two key phases:
- Procurement and Infrastructure Development (2024–2026): Building the foundation with critical charging and refuelling infrastructure.
- On-Road Demonstration (2026–2031): Real-world trials of zero-emission HGVs, testing their capabilities in various duty cycles and operational scenarios.
Data collection is critical to this programme and so Ricardo have been engaged to independently evaluate all projects. The learning will be both public and fed to the Department for Transport.
Programme objectives
Deploy zero-emission HGVs
Demonstrate the feasibility of battery-electric and hydrogen-powered trucks in real-world applications.
Build confidence
Provide operators and policymakers with critical insights into the performance, infrastructure needs, and cost-effectiveness of these technologies.
Stimulate innovation
Encourage the development of supply chain technologies and scalable solutions for the logistics sector.
Lay the foundation
Establish the fuelling and charging infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption across the UK.
Infrastructure Map
Zero Emission HGV Charging Infrastructure Map
Explore the UK's live and upcoming eHGV charging network, funded through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
View the map
Our flagship project partnerships
Project Electric Freightway
Project Electric Freightway will help pave the way for the wider adoption of electric-powered HGVs to replace existing diesel fleets and help resolve both environmental and efficiency issues across the sector.
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eFREIGHT 2030
eFREIGHT 2030 is a consortium of electric HGV manufacturers, fleet operators, electric HGV charging infrastructure providers and data analysts, creating the business models for electrifying the heavy road freight industry by scale.
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Zero Emission National (ZEN) Freight
The Zero Emission National (ZEN) Freight consortium is unique amongst the four projects in that is conducting parallel demonstrations with both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell heavy goods vehicles.
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Hydrogen Aggregated UK Logistics (HyHAUL)
(2024 - 2025) A project to develop a hydrogen supply chain and provide public access hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
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ZEHID Programme Outputs
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- Accelerating the Transition: A Business Modelling Perspective for eHGV Scale-up
Based on direct feedback from fleet operators, this report dives into the business model features that matter most for those buying eHGVs and investing in depot-based and public charging.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - eHGV Purchasing Options and Considerations
This report is aimed at fleet operators looking to navigate the transition with greater confidence, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the financial hurdles and practical solutions that can help guide informed procurement decisions.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult
- Accelerating the Transition: A Business Modelling Perspective for eHGV Scale-up
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- Ensuring Safety in the Transition to Zero-Emission Road Freight
Providing best-practice guidance for refuelling and recharging operations.
Request a digital copy on Connected Places Catapult - BSI Flex 2071 v2.0
Publicly Accessible Charging Sites for Battery Electric HGVs.
View the standard - BSI Flex 2072 v2.0
Workshops for Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicles.
View the standard - BSI Flex 2073 v2.0
Design and Implementation of Hydrogen Refuelling Sites.
View the standard
- Ensuring Safety in the Transition to Zero-Emission Road Freight
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- Business Model Options and Considerations for Depot-Based Charging
A detailed report on business model options to facilitate the rollout and adoption of eHGVs.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Business Model Options and Considerations for Public eHGV Charging
This report evaluates a range of public charging business models that could overcome challenges related to operational downtime, financial constraints and route planning limitations.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Pre-feasibility eHGV Financial Assessment Tool: Excel-based Tool
The tool provides a structured framework for operators to assess the costs, revenues, cash flow and carbon savings associated with fleet electrification under a range of operational, infrastructure and vehicle purchasing scenarios.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Pre-feasibility eHGV Financial Assessment Tool: A Case Study Analysis
To demonstrate the application of the financial assessment tool, this case study explores the three key decision points a fleet operator would face when beginning to decarbonise their fleet.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Cyber Security
This report covers what it takes to deliver safe, scalable electrified eHGV charging infrastructure across three key electrification roles.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Project Introduction and Approach
This report sets out the project’s commitments, delivery timelines and approach to sharing insights with the haulage industry.
Download the report from Hitachi ZeroCarbon
- Business Model Options and Considerations for Depot-Based Charging
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- ZEHID charging and refuelling locations
Explore the map - Connecting HGVs and Electricity: Enabling Systems and Sites for eHGV Charger Integration
This report unpacks system-level challenges, offers case studies from real sites within the trial, and offers clear, actionable recommendations for those in the transport and energy sector.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - eHGV Charger Connections Guide
This guide aims to demystify the complexities surrounding the connection of electric HGV (eHGV) chargers to the UK’s electricity network.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - eFREIGHT 2030 eHGV Charger Connections Case Study
To prepare for trials of electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs), the eFREIGHT 2030 project lead, Voltempo, has been applying for connections to the electricity networks for high-capacity chargers throughout the country.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Carbon Accounting and Carbon Credits for Freight
This report provides an overview of carbon accounting and carbon credits in the freight sector.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Demonstration Design and Implementation
An overview of the planning and delivery of eHGV infrastructure, progress with vehicle deployment, feedback from drivers and operations teams, and the challenges faced by vehicle manufacturers and charge point operators.
Download the report from Hitachi ZeroCarbon
- ZEHID charging and refuelling locations
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- The Road Ahead: National System Impacts of HGV Decarbonisation
This report explores how the UK’s HGV fleet may evolve and highlights the potential infrastructure and energy demands ahead.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Navigating Net Zero Road Freight: Stakeholder Insights for HGV Decarbonisation
This report will captures the views, uncertainties and recommendations from across the sector. It explores where live trials are answering key research questions and where gaps remain for future work.
Request a digital copy on Energy Systems Catapult - Interim Findings
An update on infrastructure and vehicle deployment, combined with insights from drivers and operators and a review of the barriers encountered during the transition to electric HGVs.
Download the report from Hitachi ZeroCarbon - Final Report
This report details what the project has achieved and what has been learnt from this pioneering demonstration of eHGVs in the UK.
Download the report from Hitachi ZeroCarbon - HGV Carbon and Cost Calculator
Developed by Hitachi ZeroCarbon, the HGV Carbon and Cost Calculator is an interactive tool designed to help operators understand the commercial and environmental implications of electrifying their fleets.
Download the report from Hitachi ZeroCarbon
- The Road Ahead: National System Impacts of HGV Decarbonisation
Decarbonising freight is key to bringing down emissions from transport, and it’s fantastic to see the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, delivered by Innovate UK, already supporting the industry with the transition. We’re investing up to £200m to help rollout hundreds of zero emission trucks and install new charging infrastructure, supporting high paid jobs and making the UK a green energy superpower as part of our plan for change.
— Lilian Greenwood | Minister for Future of Roads
Innovate UK is proud to work in partnership with the Department for Transport and industry, to show the way to decarbonise the UK’s road freight industry. This programme will develop world-leading battery and hydrogen technologies through demonstration at scale, creating greener jobs, and boosting our net zero economy.
— Stella Peace | Interim Executive Chair Innovate UK
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