eFREIGHT 2030

About the Project

eFREIGHT 2030 is a consortium of fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, software provider, charge point manufacturer, charging hub owner and operator and data & research analysts working together to demonstrate scalable business models for electrifying heavy road freight.

By undertaking a genuine, real-world evaluation of the technical and commercial viability of electric trucks, eFREIGHT 2030 aims to prove the

business cases for eHGVs and a publicly accessible network of 1MW eHGV charging hubs across the country using British technology.

The project is supported by the Department for Transport, which has provided £49.2M of investment into the programme.

This £76M project is creating a national network of electric HGV charging hubs using Voltempo’s unique 1MW HyperCharging technology, and rolling out articulated electric HGVs across multiple fleets. Led by Voltempo, and chaired by Sir Vince Cable, former Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy, the consortium includes Marks & Spencer, Eddie Stobart, Scania, Maritime, Wincanton, Renault, Menzies, DAF, Welch’s Transport, Tarmac, Kuehne+Nagel, Dynamon, Expect Distribution, Fleet-e, The Energy Systems Catapult, and is recruiting additional members. The project is supported by the Department for Transport, who have provided £49.2 of investment into the programme.

Project Activities

Phase one of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is introducing 100 electric HGV 4×2 and 6×2 tractor units, into logistics operations across the UK, demonstrating the feasibility of zero-emission freight transport. To support these vehicles, 32 Voltempo megawatt-charging hubs will be established at strategic locations from day one. Each charging hub will have a minimum of six charging bays, creating a network that spans most of the country and provides a backbone that enables fleets to significantly expand the number of electric vehicles in their fleet.

A key element of the project will be to stretch boundaries by focusing on demanding use cases, including long-range, multi-shift and power take-off, using software modelling to match the developing technologies to the operational challenges.

Benefits

eFREIGHT 2030 delivers a range of benefits helping the UK achieve its net-zero ambitions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to improved air quality in both urban and rural areas. Economically, it will drive innovation and stimulate investment into zero emission technologies, generate green jobs in the UK, and create a greener and more sustainable future for road freight transport.

Project Partners

• Berkeley Coachworks
• DAF Trucks
• Dynamon
• Stobart
• Energy Systems Catapult
• Expect Distribution
• Fleete Group
• I. J. McGills Transport
• Kuehne+Nagel
• Maritime Transport
• Marks & Spencer
• Menzies Distribution
• Renault Trucks
• Scania
• Tarmac
• TVS Interfleet
• Voltempo Group
• Welch’s Transport
• Wincanton

Project reports

eFREIGHT 2030/Energy Systems Catapult January 2024 Report: Electric Heavy Goods Vehicles?
Industry perspectives on the prospects for their adoption in the UK. This report was commissioned by eFREIGHT 2030 project lead Voltempo and authored by the Energy Systems Catapult shortly after the launch of eFREIGHT 2030 project activities. Read the report.

eFREIGHT 2030/Energy Systems Catapult November 2024 Report: Charger Connections Guide
Written by Energy Systems Catapult as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project, this guide is aimed at eHGV fleet owners and aims to simplify the connection of eHGV chargers to the UK’s electricity network, offering vital insights into the necessary steps, costs, and challenges involved. Read the report.

For more information on eFREIGHT 2030

For more information on the project or to request an introduction, please contact Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Zero Emission Mobility.