In the UK, while the shift to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) is accelerating in the right direction, we still face major roadblocks. Welch, a logistics firm, runs three eHGVs as part of a fleet of 70 diesel-powered lorries. The firm limits its EVs to local trips. Drivers are only permitted to make trips within a two-hour circle from the central bus depot, restricting trips to around 100 miles or 160 kilometers. This conservative approach is understandable given the current state of charging infrastructure woes.
For fleet operators, the capital expenditure required to adopt eHGVs is a significant barrier. In reality, the capital cost for these vehicles is two to three times higher than traditional diesel lorries. Welch was rewarded just recently with a £30 million grant. This funding will provide more depot charging facilities and enables more companies to adopt electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs). As the future of logistics goes electric, this funding could be pivotal in helping the industry make the transition.
These eHGVs can drive on long distances up to 200 miles (320 kilometers) in one charge. While initiatives like project rapid are a welcome start, the UK’s public charging infrastructure is still sorely lacking. Currently there are just two public charging sites for eHGVs across the country, with plans to accelerate development. Western Europe, which includes the UK, has approximately 1100 public charging points per 1 million inhabitants. Even if such facilities do exist, their availability and accessibility vary widely from place to place.
According to Liam Ely, an eHGV driver with Welch, there’s a reason that these EVs perform so well. He remarked on the new challenge of routing a trip based on where charging will be available.
“The main thing – trying to plan that into your routes. It brings in differences for planning operations, as well as for me as the driver.” – Liam Ely
The prohibitive cost of using public charging is a pain point for logistics companies. This price is now estimated at 79 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh). High upfront cost often the most significant barrier preventing operators from switching to electric vehicles is the high upfront cost. Milence just opened a new fast-charging facility at the Lincolnshire port of Immingham. This facility provides charging rates that are close to 50 percent of other facilities, providing operators with much needed relief.
Figures from 2023 have suddenly shown an extraordinary 28% increase in eHGVs across the whole of the UK. This wave of growth has increased the total global eHGV count to 1,271 units. This dramatic increase furthers states’ economic, governmental, and environmental objectives. By 2040, they should all be electric-powered in the UK and EU. In 2022, non-hydro renewables made up just under half of every kilowatt hour generated in the UK. This change in focus is telling of the country’s increasing dedication to renewable energy.
Chris Welch, the president of his family-owned Welch Logistics, made the point for the infrastructure world. He thinks it’s key to their plans to deploy more of their eHGVs outside of regional routes.
“The main barrier to operating our eHGV fleet more nationally is infrastructure.” – Chris Welch
Transport & Environment echoed this sentiment, stating that the government must urgently address infrastructure challenges to facilitate a smoother transition.
Through work in partnership with organizations such as the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Welch is helping to build a more sustainable future. BAS has a corporate goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. They view collaborations with eHGV operators like Welch as key to achieving this ambition.
“Key to achieving that goal.” – British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
The market for electric lorries is growing by leaps and bounds. To continue to thrive, logistics companies, drivers, and all logistics stakeholders need to address the growing infrastructure deficit now. The future of eHGVs in the UK is more than rosy. We need to work hard to develop a strong network of charging stations and make electric solutions more cost-effective so that they’re an option for more people.