Zero Emission Truck Taskforce

Making the move to zero emission trucks

In response to the global climate crisis, the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce brought together key representatives from the logistics, manufacturing, energy and finance sectors to shape the pathway to the decarbonisation of Scotland’s road freight and logistics sector.

HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland

On 19 March we published the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland. It represents 18 months of hard work and learning from all involved in the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce. Our task was to work collaboratively across haulage, manufacturing, energy, government, union and finance sectors to understand and overcome the barriers to zero emission HGVs in Scotland.

• Adam Purshall - Fleet & Procurement Director, Menzies Distribution
• Aurelien Achard - E-Mobility Director, NEoT Capital
• Ben Todd – CEO, Ballard Motive Solutions
• Catherine Bowen - Senior Policy Advisor, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
• Chris Ashley - Policy Lead - Environment and Vehicles, Road Haulage Association
• Colin Smith - Chief Executive, Scottish Wholesale Association
• Daniel Musenga-Grant - Environmental Lead, HV Systems
• Denise Beedell - Policy Manager, Logistics UK
• Gary Cox, Director, Aviation, Maritime, Freight and Canals, Transport Scotland
• Gavin Summers - Group Fleet Engineer, W H Malcom Ltd
• Ken Russell - Sales & Marketing Director, John G Russell
• Mark Griffin - Head of Hydrogen Development, ScottishPower
• Mike Nugent - Head of EV, Hitachi Social Innovation Business, Hitachi-EU
• Morna Cannon - Director, Low Carbon Economy, Transport Scotland
• Neil Park - Regional Managing Director, Volvo Group
• Shirley Robertson, Head of Environment, Consenting and Sustainability Strategic Policy, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
• Sukky Choongh - Environmental Manager - Air Quality and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
• Willie Thomson, Regional Officer, Unite the Union

Almost everything we rely on in our homes and our businesses has, at one time or another, been carried on the back of a truck. The effective movement of many and various goods and materials enables our economy to function, and to service this need there are 37,000 HGVs registered in Scotland, travelling motorways and city streets to deliver the goods that we need.

In response to the global climate emergency, haulage operators are beginning to explore technologies which will reduce both their greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs. Scotland offers real opportunities for clean, green energy, with abundant renewable electricity and sources of green hydrogen becoming available to fuel trucks of all sizes. However there is still a long way to go, with recharging/refuelling infrastructure a key challenge and limited information on real world performance of the new vehicles.

After consulting with a range of industry leaders, Transport Scotland brought together a Zero Emission Truck Taskforce (ZETT) comprising leaders across road haulage and logistics operators, manufacturing, energy, and finance sectors. Following the completion of its information gathering phase in February 2023, the ZETT moved to identifying solutions and the strategic actions that all parties need to take regarding vehicles, energy infrastructure and skills. These actions will be published in early 2024 in a co-produced (with ZETT members) pathway document.

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