Key Messages

  1. Whole fleet Battery Electric HGV (BEV) operation is possible for current routes, provided depot and en route charging infrastructure is developed in key locations across Scotland.
  2. Based on data included to date, prioritising shared charging on the A9, A90, and M74 corridors maximises the impact for these BEV operations.
  3. Most modelled routes can be completed with no additional stops for charging and, in the worst case, travel an average of 15km more than the existing diesel HGVs.
  4. Even when considering only a small proportion of Scotland’s HGV fleet, considerable mitigation for increased peak grid demand, such as reinforcement of grid connections, will likely be required.
  5. The mapping of locations for hydrogen refuelling is more uncertain than for charging due to an earlier stage of technology maturity and the potential need to site fuelling alongside hydrogen production. Hydrogen refuelling distributors indicate that hydrogen in individual depots will not be commercially viable and shared fuelling sites are required.

Data from more operators will validate the proof of concept, ensuring identified charging or fuelling locations support all operations across Scotland, and creating confidence for investment.

Contact the team at cls-info@hw.ac.uk to have your fleet data included in future iterations of the model.