Friday, November 1, 2024
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Hitachi and GRIDSERVE publish new Electric Freightway report

Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE have published the second Electric Freightway Project report, providing an overview of the work to prove the capabilities of electric Heavy Good Vehicles (eHGVs).

The report on the project, part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, reveals that the consortium of more than 30 members have made “good progress” in the demonstration, design and implementation of eHGV infrastructure.

It highlights how project partners A.F. Blakemore and Son, Samworth Brothers, Boughey and United Utilities have all added eHGVs to their existing fleets with others awaiting delivery of their eHGVs.

In addition, it revealed Hitachi ZeroCarbon had developed a comprehensive data analytics platform, that will objectively compare the operational performance of diesel HGVs to eHGVs, and offer valuable insights for the next report.

The firm also interviewed senior managers and drivers of HGVs ahead of electric truck deliveries to understand views on the perceived benefits like reduced noise and environmental impact, and concerns about how range and access to charging will impact daily operations.

Consortium lead GRIDSERVE consulted on eHGV charging infrastructure and has now designed both depot-based and public high-power charging stations, with first sites expected to come online in the coming months. It has also worked with partners to secure public and private charge stations, working on viability and feasibility studies, site surveys and agreements, local stakeholder and driver engagements, permissions, network capacity and legal agreements, in addition to the infrastructure build and maintenance.

Leon Clarke, Head of Operations and Delivery at Hitachi ZeroCarbon, said:

“Our analysis of environmental benefits alongside total cost of ownership will help provide a strong investment case for future eHGV deployments.

“We fundamentally believe that smart, actionable data can underpin enhanced battery health, fleet route planning and charging sessions, and so accelerate the path to electrification.”

Sam Clarke, Commercial Lead, GRIDSERVE added: 

“Since the last report we have made tangible progress, and have conducted extensive planning and preparations to deliver our first milestones of getting eHGVs on the road, and charging stations deployed.

“This report keeps us honest and accountable, and shows our diligence in creating infrastructure which will ensure we deliver world-leading transport infrastructure that is fit for the future.”

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: 

“Electric HGVs will play a large part in the future of our freight industry, so it’s fantastic to see the successes of the projects detailed in this report.

“A greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight. This is an excellent example of industry and government collaborating to reach net zero.”

Image of report courtesy of Hitachi ZeroCarbon and GRIDSERVE

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