Logistics provider Wincanton has announced the first arrivals of 24 new electric-powered trucks scheduled to join its logistics fleet this year.

The multimillion-pound project will see Wincanton introduce battery electric trucks to its fleet that are expected to hit the nation’s roads this summer.

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

As a result, Wincanton said the project will help the business to lay the foundations for decarbonising its fleet at a greater scale, gaining valuable insights that will support this transition.

To support the new trucks, Wincanton is rolling out depot-based charging infrastructure across key sites, including Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire, enabling the seamless integration of EVs into its growing green fleet.

This infrastructure, designed and built in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve, is crucial for the transition towards sustainable fleet operations, facilitating this expansion of Wincanton’s electrified fleet.

The Company also noted it has invested 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.

According to Wincanton this is a test and learn initiative that forms part of the company’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.

Carl Hanson, Managing Director, Transport, at Wincanton, said: "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 added: “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.”