Menzies takes part in UK Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme

Programme aims to kickstart the uptake of zero emission HGVS.

Menzies Distribution is delighted to announce its participation in the UK Government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium.

With funding provided by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, eFREIGHT 2030 will receive £49.2 million in government support, which will help unlock an expected £500 million of private investment in electric vehicles and charging hubs across the UK by 2030.

eFREIGHT 2030 is comprised of 11 operators, 3 truck manufacturers, a recharging infrastructure manufacturer and supporting telematics and data analysis providers. As part of the project Menzies is planning to run ten electric tractor units and install three 1 megawatt infrastructure platforms suitable for charging six vehicles at a time.

The announcement of funding for the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium came as the Government published its zero-emission vehicle mandate, setting out the percentage of new zero emission cars and vans that manufacturers will be required to produce each year towards 100% zero emission vehicle sales from 2035.

Commenting on the development Adam Purshall, Fleet & Procurement Director at Menzies, said:

“We are proud to be a part of this important demonstrator project, which will help pave the way for the transition to zero emission trucks and the decarbonisation of our sector. The significant funding commitment by government is very welcome and helps to de-risk the trial of new technology, while also supporting the innovation we need to reach net zero.”

Menzies has a long history of action and innovation to minimise its environmental impact, including:

• targeting net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by no later than 2035 – 15 years ahead of the date set in UK legislation
• a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) fleet
• use of advanced telematics and route-planning to minimise fuel usage, plus innovation in vehicle and trailer design to improve aerodynamics, increasing fuel efficiency by 10-15%
• pioneering the use of longer semi-trailers and lifting roof technology to significantly reduce road miles
• establishing one of the largest commercial EV charging infrastructures in the UK with some sites making charge points accessible to all
• exploring the use of alternative fuels including HVO and implementing with partner, Ball Packaging in October 2023.

The company’s innovation and approach has been repeatedly recognised. It has twice won Green Fleet of the Year at the What Van? Awards and has most recently been shortlisted for its 2024 Green Innovation Award. Other recognition includes winning Logistics UK’s Green Fleet Van Operator of the Year, the Unipart Logistics award for Sustainability at the Supply Chain Awards, and prizes for Green Innovation at the Logistics Leadership Awards and for Environmental Improvement at the 2023 CILT Awards for Excellence.