The Background:
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) contribute around 20% of the UK’s transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, making the decarbonization of this sector critical.
Hitachi is at the forefront of the drive to decarbonize the HGV sector helping the UK’s efforts to meet its net-zero targets by 2050. For this project, through the Electric Freightway programme, Hitachi is helping leading businesses like Samworth Brothers to transition to fully electric fleets, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The Challenge:
The decarbonization of HGVs presents several significant challenges. eHGVs are only just becoming commercially available and are considerably more expensive than their diesel equivalents.
Additionally, the UK lacks sufficient charging infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of eHGVs, as existing chargers are not designed to meet the demand of larger vehicles.
With the sale of new diesel HGVs set to be banned by 2040, the need for businesses to transition to electric fleets is urgent. However, many operators face difficulties in planning this transition due to uncertainties around cost, infrastructure, and vehicle performance.
The Solution:
Hitachi ZeroCarbon is addressing these challenges as a lead partner in GRIDSERVE’s Electric Freightway Programme (founded as part of the Department for Transport and Innovate UK-backed Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme).
By partnering with Samworth Brothers “a company with over 130 HGVs in operation” Hitachi ZeroCarbon is helping demonstrate the real-world impact of fleet electrification. Their role involves analyzing vehicle routes, charging sessions, and battery performance to optimize the deployment of electric trucks. This data-driven approach not only helps Samworth Brothers maximize the efficiency of their fleet, but also offers crucial insights for the wider adoption of eHGVs across the UK.
The Future:
The work of Hitachi ZeroCarbon within the Electric Freightway programme is shaping the future for HGV decarbonization. As the project progresses, Hitachi ZeroCarbon will continue to gather and analyze data, providing fleet operators with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about their electrification journey. Valuable insights gained from this project will shape future investments and infrastructure development, supporting the UK in achieving its net zero ambitions.
The breadth of Hitachi allows us to combine digital and data-led solutions with physical products to tackle climate change and ultimately improve people’s quality of life. By partnering with governments, cities and companies to cut carbon, we can achieve a sustainable future.
Learn more about Hitachi ZeroCarbon’s work.
Search
Europe