While much debate has occurred over recent months about the move to cleaner fuels, plans by the government to turbocharge its adoption have been met with concern by industry body Logistics UK. This is because it claims that the government’s £400m cleaner fuels investment ignores exactly how the HGV industry can viably transition from fossil fuels. 

Described as a “robust package of measures” by the government, the investment is aimed at supporting the shift to electric vehicles with the allotted funds earmarked for the installation of 1000s of new charging points across the country. However, it’s being viewed by Logistics UK as a missed opportunity for the UK to be a leader in green innovation. 

“A Step in the right direction, however…” 

Kate Jennings, policy director at Logistics UK, expressed her disappointment at the lack of consideration of a plan for HGVs, stating: 

“The UK has the opportunity to be a leader in green innovation and investment, and this plan is a step in the right direction for parts of the UK’s logistics network. However, it remains vital that the government provides a delivery roadmap for commercial electric vehicle infrastructure, low-carbon fuels and rail electrification so businesses can invest in confidence.

For operators electrifying their fleet, the capital expenditure required for depot charging can be extortionately high, with some operators who are currently in the process of electrifying their van fleets reporting costs of over £1 million – which is often not commercially viable, especially if premises are leased.

“A Roadmap Is Needed For Electric Logistics Vehicles” 

Continuing to speak on the matter, Miss Jennings had this to say:

“The UK, therefore, needs a roadmap for electric logistics vehicles that includes a fair approach to funding electricity connections for depot charging. Public charge points must ensure sufficient space for logistics vehicles and fast charging points to enable operators to maximise the efficiency of fleets.”

Adding to the debate, Ken McKeikan, CEO of motorway services operator, Moto, expressed an urgent need for cross-government collaboration in order to deliver the planning reforms and infrastructure needed for the ultra-fast rollout of EV charging hubs. 

He said, “The promise of a speeded-up planning process to accelerate solar and offshore wind projects is tantalising but is missing the one thing we need most – pace. We need more power now. In seven years’ time, we expect EV charging in the UK will require twelve times more energy than we currently use today.

If this planning promise is delivered at the same slow pace as the previously announced Rapid Charging Fund back in 2020, its likely UK EV drivers will not have sufficient high-power chargers to cope with demand – urgent action is required now.”

Petrol to Electric – A Transition With a Tight Deadline

The transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles is certain to be a challenging one for the UK’s HGV industry, and it would appear that there are issues still to iron out. However, with petrol trucks being phased out by the turn of the next decade, it would seem there is still a lot of work to do to ensure everything is ready by the proposed deadline. 

As ever, the HGVC team will continue doing what it does best – offering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our national network of training centres. Able to meet any size and scale of need, we help companies circumnavigate the ongoing driver shortage and take control of their own transport needs. 

To find out more about us and how we work, take a look around our website or to get in touch, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us’ today.