Wincanton introduces 24 new electric-powered HGVs to its fleet

Logistics and transport company Wincanton has announced the first arrivals of 24 new battery electric-powered trucks scheduled to join its logistics fleet over the next year. The multimillion-pound investment represents a significant milestone as part of the company’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The new vehicles, supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, will start hitting the nation’s roads this summer. The trucks will be able to operate at more than 40 tonnes and are expected to reduce Wincanton’s CO2 emissions by 2,400 tonnes per year.

To support the new trucks, Wincanton is rolling out depot-based charging infrastructure, designed and built in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve, across key sites including Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire.

The introduction of the new electric trucks aligns with Wincanton’s commitment to deliver long-term sustainable supply chain solutions for its customers. This includes investment in electric vehicle technology to provide home delivery services for IKEA and the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel 85% of its logistics vehicle fleet serving Screwfix.

This test and learn initiative forms part of Wincanton’s participation in the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030 consortia. Both projects are part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, supported by funding from the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. Wincanton will gain valuable insights to drive further efficiencies and carbon reductions in its operations, shaping a more sustainable future for logistics.

Carl Hanson, Managing Director, Transport, at Wincanton, said, "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, with collaboration fundamental to achieving our net zero goals.

“By pioneering new vehicle technologies, we’re cutting carbon and delivering smarter, greener solutions for our customers. And, with these HGVs marking a major step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain, this important milestone will help us learn and adapt for the future. We can’t wait to see the new trucks in action.

"Low-emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics, but widespread adoption is still years away. In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlocking greener supply chains hinges on collaboration and optimisation.”

Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Zero Emission Mobility, at Innovate UK commented, “It’s great to see Wincanton take delivery of 24 electric HGVs. We look forward to the real-world demonstrations and collaboration as part of Project Electric Freightway eFREIGHT 2030, under the wider ZEHID programme, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector.

“Innovate UK is proud to support this pioneering effort, which plays a key role in accelerating the shift to zero-emission freight and advancing the UK’s net zero ambitions.”