By Mike Nakrani, CEO at VEV
There are rare moments when an entire industry stands at the edge of transformation, and for the logistics sector, 2025 is that moment. At VEV, we’re calling it the Year of the Electric Truck, and the message is clear: the window of opportunity is open, but it won’t stay that way for long.
While the headlines often focus on the passenger EV revolution, the real shift with far-reaching economic and environmental implications is happening in logistics. Second only to cars and taxis, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are responsible for almost a fifth of road transport emissions, yet most fleets still have no concrete plans to electrify. The simple truth is that more than 70% of operators have yet to begin their transition to electric trucks and are missing out on a very real opportunity to unlock competitive advantage and drive forward the profitability of their fleets.
From perceived limitations in range and high upfront costs, to payload penalties and infrastructure uncertainty, there are multiple factors influencing operators’ decisions here. But these barriers are rapidly dissolving. Second-generation electric trucks are now entering the market at price points up to £80,000 lower than their predecessors – and with extended ranges comfortably exceeding 350km, going up to 500km in some cases.
From a total cost of ownership perspective, electric trucks are reaching parity with diesel, and in many cases outpacing them. When you factor in lower maintenance requirements, reduced fuel costs, and downtime savings, the profitability and long-term economic case of the enterprise speaks for itself. Competitiveness, carbon credibility, futureproofing your business – all factor into the bigger electrification picture.
Customers are increasingly setting ambitious sustainability goals, and scope 3 emissions are particularly under the microscope. This pressure is filtering directly down to logistics partners, with electric fleets quickly becoming a differentiator. Those who act now are already winning contracts, learning from early adoption, and building resilience into their operations.
There is no question in my mind that those who are delaying electrification are putting themselves at significant strategic risk. Vehicle availability will tighten as demand surges, while installation of charging infrastructure and securing grid upgrades will become increasingly expensive and lengthy (upgrades in the Netherlands are currently taking up to 5 years!), meaning late movers will struggle to catch up.
At VEV, we’re working with logistics businesses across the UK to seize the moment. Our end-to-end fleet electrification solution is designed to simplify the transition – from feasibility assessments using real-world route data to infrastructure planning, deployment and ongoing operational support.
We’ve seen the power of starting small, learning fast, and scaling intelligently. In a managed electric truck trial with AV Dawson in Middlesbrough earlier this year, we demonstrated the potential to drive down the emission of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases, delivering a saving of over a tonne of CO₂ in just 10 days from a single vehicle. In a region where 40% of transport emissions can be attributed to HGVs, the appetite from customers like British Steel for clean deliveries is significant and offers a clear rationale for implementation.
We’re also building the backbone of electric freight with high-power charging infrastructure, supporting Maritime Transport with the installation of a network that will be capable of simultaneously charging nearly 100 electric trucks – with capacity ranging from 100kW to 1MW. This is the scale and speed that the logistics industry requires.
But infrastructure alone won’t drive adoption. Businesses need a phased, practical strategy that makes electrification commercially viable, which is where we come in – offering tailored, data-led plans that align with fleet managers’ operations, budgets, and timelines, and set them up for profitability moving forward.
The time for action is now. Logistics companies that move first will lead the market, shape the future of sustainable freight and gain a powerful edge in a rapidly changing economy.
2025 is the Year of the Electric Truck. Let’s make it the year logistics changes for good.
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