DP World, Howard Tenens and Port Express order electric trucks after Project JOLT trials

DP World's logistics division made the largest commitment. It has bought two MAN eTGX tractor units and ordered eight more, which will join three electric trucks already in service at its Bicester depot, Motor Transport reported. Once deployed, 13 of the depot's 37 trucks will be electric, which Transport Engineer described as one of the largest single-site electric truck fleets in the UK. Seven of the depot's 11 regular destinations are within the MAN eTGX's operating range.

DP World's Bicester depot

Operations manager Dave Munday built the business case with support from customer BMW and the company's board. "I am pleased that I can align our environmental objectives, our customer's aspirations and the commercials into a meaningful package," Munday said. DP World arranged servicing and maintenance through MAN dealer Cordwallis Group, whose Bicester premises are two miles from the depot. The purchase used the government's Zero Emission Truck Grant, which can provide up to £81,000 towards qualifying vehicles.

Howard Tenens and Port Express

Motor Transport reported that Howard Tenens ordered a MAN eTGX tractor unit and an eTGS rigid truck. It plans to use existing renewable energy generation to support the vehicles and reduce electricity costs, aiming to increase the cost advantage of electric vehicles over diesel. The company has invested in alternative fuels and energy initiatives for several years, including renewable energy installations, hydrotreated vegetable oil and biomethane.

Port Express, a small and medium-sized haulier based in Felixstowe, agreed a two-year lease for a Volvo FH electric tractor unit for a regular shuttle to Milton Keynes. The lease is with a retailer customer seeking to cut Scope 3 emissions. The company was introduced to electric trucks through Project JOLT and DP World's Low Carbon Truck Programme. Managing director James Watts said Volvo's established presence in the company's diesel fleet influenced the choice. The company said familiarity with Volvo's commercial arrangements and vehicle cab layout were also factors. "Thanks to Project JOLT, we dispelled any misconceptions about electric trucks," Watts said. "It was then a matter of matching a vehicle to our regular routes."

What Project JOLT found

Transport Engineer reported that Project JOLT involves two universities, 15 fleet operators, five truck manufacturers and three organisations providing project management and software support. Professor David Cebon and the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight lead the research. The trials let operators evaluate vehicle range, payload capacity and operating costs. Project JOLT's findings suggest that, at current diesel prices, operators could save around 21p per kilometre in fuel costs by switching to electric trucks.

Transport Engineer reported that HGVs account for around 6% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. The government has committed to ending sales of new diesel HGVs by 2040 as part of a wider goal of net zero by 2050. Findings from Project JOLT are expected to help identify evidence-based options to support the transition.