Construction materials firm Saint-Gobain in partnership with XPO Logistics is adding six fully electric HGVs to its fleet operating in the UK.
The investment in the six eHGVs will reduce CO₂e emissions by almost 800,000 kg per annum, equivalent to the emissions emitted by 2,353 UK households.
In addition, the two companies have partnered with Gridserve to create charging infrastructure at the Saint-Gobain Logistics Hub at Gotham, Nottinghamshire. The six charging points will charge the eHGVs to 80% in 90 minutes and fully charge in under two hours.
Saint-Gobain and XPO Logistics have been working on the electric HGV project for more than 18 months as part of the UK Government Zero Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) project, with the first trial deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2026.
The programme will see a real world’ test of zero emission electric HGV trucks across a 5-year period, working in partnership and collaboration to make an anticipated 12,000 + customer deliveries for Saint-Gobain and avoiding over 3,500 tonnes of Co₂e in the process.
The six eHGVs ordered from Volvo will include five tractor units and one rigid unit, which will begin operating on the UK’s roads between April and June 2026.
XPO Logistics will also featuring on a discussion at the Transport + Energy Fleet Electrification Forum on 8 July at Warwick Conferences.
Dean O’Sullivan, CEO of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, said:
“Trialling six zero-exhaust emission HGVs across the Midlands is another step forward for us. The extended operational trials of the all-electric vehicles are part of our wider journey to reduce the impact of our business and ultimately meet our goal to be a net-zero carbon business.
“We’ll be working closely with customers during this period and our drivers to get their feedback and see how all-electric HGV’s at scale can fit into our logistics service offer. We’re excited to see what’s possible as we push for cleaner, smarter deliveries that support our customers.”
Abdi Ali, National Key Account Manager at Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said:
“As part of our long-term partnership with XPO Logistics, we are constantly looking at ways to modernise and improve the environmental impact of its fleet. The addition of the six new Volvo FM Electric trucks mark another step forward and demonstrate XPO Logistics’ confidence in the technology.
“It is hugely rewarding to see our zero-tailpipe emission solutions supporting forward-thinking companies like Saint-Gobain and XPO Logistics – organisations with a clear vision of their sustainability strategies, who are acting now to drive towards a cleaner and greener future.”
Dan Myers, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain – Europe, XPO Logistics, said:
“This is the latest effort in our joint goal of doing business in a responsible way, working towards our shared target of reducing our emissions to zero with Saint-Gobain. This initiative moves us a significant step closer to sustainable construction.”
Image courtesy of XPO Logistics
