Truck orders for eFreight 2030 consortium begin

Maritime Transport has ordered 18 42-tonne battery electric tractor units to join its fleet as part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. These vehicles are the first of 48 electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks that will be used across the company in this scheme. 

Scania, Renault Trucks, and DAF trucks will be deployed with Maritime as part of the eFreight 2030 consortium, led by Voltempo. Electric trucks will offer range capabilities between 300 and 500km and deliveries are expected from the end of this year into early 2025. Charging stations will be installed at Maritime’s 41 transport depots, rail terminals and container storage facilities. 

Tom Williams, deputy chief executive officer at Maritime Transport, said: “This investment places us at the forefront of our industry’s transition to sustainable operations and we are excited to initiate this phase of our environmental strategy. Our active participation in ZEHID and pioneering initiatives like eFreight 2030 over the next five years is set to yield vital insights for the government’s long-term infrastructure decisions to make road freight more sustainable and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Acknowledging the variations in range and payload, we believe these vehicles will substantially contribute to our efforts in providing sustainable and efficient services to our customers, complementing our growing network of rail freight services and terminals.”

Group CEO at Voltempo, the eFreight 2030 consortium lead, Michael Boxwell, said: “We’re delighted to see Maritime placing its first order for electric HGVs as part of the eFreight 2030 consortium, demonstrating the ambition and commitment that will help transform freight logistics and accelerate the uptake of zero emission HGVs.”

Chris Newitt, MD at Scania UK, said: “This is a landmark moment. It marks the beginning of the UK’s transition to a zero-emission HGV future, and we’re pleased to be working with Maritime, Voltempo and the eFreight 2030 consortia to make this first step a reality. At Scania, we believe in driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system, creating a world of mobility that’s better for business, society and the environment. This is the UK’s first step on that journey and through these first vehicles, we will be able to learn so much about operating and using these vehicles day-to-day. The next step will be how we can use that knowledge to influence long-term decision making for the best interests of our industries.”

Adam Bennett, EV and sustainability manager at DAF Trucks, said: “DAF is delighted to be collaborating with Maritime Transport by providing DAF XF Electric 4x2 tractor units, with a range capability of up to 400km, for use on their operations. This partnership, as part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator, underscores our shared vision for the future of logistics.”

Matt Sadler, sales director at Renault Truck Commercials, said: “Renault Trucks is proud to be part of this ground-breaking initiative with Maritime Transport and the eFreight 2030 consortium. Our battery-electric trucks represent a significant step towards achieving sustainable freight transport, and we’re thrilled they will soon be integrated into Maritime’s fleet. This partnership emphasises our commitment to providing innovative solutions that help drive the industry towards a greener future.”