Zero Emission Truck Taskforce

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Overview

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.

Taskforce meetings

Working groups

After an initial information gathering phase, working groups were set up comprising taskforce members and a wide range of industry specialists to identify the key actions required to embed zero emission HGVs in Scotland.

The groups focused on the technical and commercial considerations required to unlock change around vehicles; charging and fuelling infrastructure; and skills.

Summaries of each of the working groups are available below.

ZETT working groups

Background analysis and research papers

The Taskforce considered detailed papers on:

  • the makeup of the Scottish haulage sector
  • technology development
  • trials and supply
  • the energy infrastructure required
  • workforce upskilling; total costs of ownership
  • new financial models developing to support zero emission vehicles.

These papers are available below:

Taskforce members

  • 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

Background

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.

ZETT Terms of Reference

Mapping enroute HGV charging and refuelling

In the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland, published in March 2024, the Scottish Government committed to supporting the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce to work with Heriot Watt university to produce a map indicating where the initial en route charging/hydrogen refuelling stations for zero emission HGVs need to be in order for operators to begin to transition. This map will then be used to build market confidence, liaise with Ofgem, and to stimulate discussion with the energy sector and national and international financiers.

For this, Transport Scotland has commissioned Heriot-Watt’s Centre for Logistics and Sustainability to work with fleet operators to understand where future zero carbon charging and fuelling infrastructure is most urgently needed.

This project will:

  • Determine broad locations where on-route charging or refuelling facilities should be developed.
  • Provide recommendations for investors on how locations should be prioritised and phased.

This can only be done working collaboratively with road freight businesses to understand how HGVs currently move through Scotland and where infrastructure should sensibly be located on route. If you are interested in participating in this research please see further information on Heriot-Watt’s website.