The £200 million in government funding will be invested across 4 green projects to roll out up to 370 zero emission HGVs.
“Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the £200 million government investment from the zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme will also deliver around 57 refuelling and electric charging sites, providing the crucial infrastructure to help the haulage sector decarbonise,” says the DfT.
One of the recipients of the funding is Birmingham-based Voltempo, whose eFREIGHT 2030 project could create up to 200 new jobs by 2030. The company is aiming to provide Birmingham with one of the UK’s first electric vehicle charging hubs dedicated to HGVs.
The DfT claims the funding will help grocery companies such as Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer lower their transport emissions while protecting them from rising delivery costs associated with changing petrol and diesel prices.
Commenting on the additional funding for road transport decarbonisation, Richard Holden, UK Roads Minister, said:
“Freight and logistics are the beating heart of our economy and it is only right that we celebrate the sector so that it gets the recognition and support it deserves. From boosting zero emission tech across freight to attracting the future generation of talent to the industry, we are working hard to drive innovation, create jobs and grow the economy by building a brighter, more innovative future for one of our most crucial industries.”
The UK’s Decarbonisation Minister, Jesse Norman, added:
“The UK is at the forefront of the global transition to net zero and today marks another important milestone to decarbonise freight, one of the economy’s most vital industries. That’s why I’m pleased to reveal that we’re investing £200 million to roll out 370 zero emission trucks, and a further £2.4 million to pioneer green tech through the Freight Innovation Fund, as we work closely with the sector to create new jobs, grow the economy and reach net zero by 2050.”
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the Road Haulage Association, also welcomed the news:
“We strongly welcome today’s announcement from the government on the zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme. The £200 million commitment ministers are putting into this demonstrator significantly helps to de-risk the transition to net zero. The real-world demonstrators will answer many of the practical questions operators have and, in turn, give our members the confidence to invest in the zero emission lorries needed to drive down carbon emissions from our sector.”