Thousands of drivers across the UK could benefit from a huge boost to the road network to help achieve net zero targets and phase out the use of polluting diesel vehicles.
Labour has maintained that it will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by the end of the decade, with only zero emission vehicles being sold by 2035.
It also plans to outlaw the sale of new diesel trucks weighing 26 tonnes or less by 2035, and all heavier trucks by 2040.
The deadlines are designed to tackle the growing threat posed by harmful vehicle emissions, with data showing that heavy goods vehicles contribute 20 per cent of domestic transport emissions in the UK.
Experts have continually called on the Government to make it easier to switch to electric vehicles, especially larger vehicles, which are crucial in the mission to improve air quality.
Speaking to GB News, Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo, said the 2040 ban deadline was a “major shift for an industry that keeps Britain moving”.
He said: “Trucks are the backbone of UK business, so any transition to electric must give drivers and fleet operators real confidence that it will work day-to-day.
“Electric HGVs are quickly becoming a smart business choice. Battery prices are falling, ranges are improving, and overall running costs are heading in the right direction.”
Mr Smith acknowledged that the upfront cost of an electric HGV is still higher than combustion engine alternatives, but that running costs were lower, and would continue to fall over the coming years.
Diesel trucks will be banned by 2040, with growing support for larger electric vehicles
|
VOLTEMPO
One of the most crucial aspects of the transition to electric trucks is charging, especially since HGVs require ultra-rapid, high-power charging to keep motorists on the road.
Voltempo’s HyperCharger allows drivers to recharge quickly and reliably, as it can deliver up to one megawatt (1,000kW) of power.
The British brand is leading the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, as part of the UK Government’s £200million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, in partnership with Innovate UK.
This collaboration brings together nine of the largest UK fleets and three truck manufacturers to develop an efficient public charging network for businesses and drivers.
Mr Smith continued, saying: “Through eFREIGHT 2030, we’re building the UK’s biggest truck charging network at 37 depot locations across the country.
Simon Smith, CEO of Voltempo, told GB News that the company aims to roll out 50 ultra-fast chargers by 2027
|
VOLTEMPO
“With more charging corridors and motorway hubs powered by our HyperCharger technology, operators can have the confidence to electrify entire fleets.”
As part of its acceleration goals, Voltempo is aiming to roll out more than 50 ultra-fast chargers along some of the UK’s busiest truck routes by 2027.
The HyperCharger can charge up to six vehicles simultaneously and is manufactured in Britain, with Mr Smith highlighting how the company is supporting British jobs, engineering and a more competitive freight sector.
Voltempo said the charger would allow motorists and operators to recharge “in minutes”, further boosting confidence among fleet drivers.
The Government continues to maintain the plug-in vehicle grant for trucks, with a maximum grant of £16,000 for small trucks that weigh between 4,250kg and 12,000kg gross weight.
The Voltempo HyperCharger can supply six vehicles at once
|
VOLTEMPO
Large trucks, which weigh more than 12,000kg, can receive up to £25,000. Eligible vehicles are available from popular brands including DAF, Dennis, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
Chris Heron, Secretary General, E-Mobility Europe, told GB News that electrified trucks were the “future for European logistics” by helping to lower costs, cut emissions and meet the EU’s net zero targets.
He continued, saying: “Advances in batteries and charging mean they are already delivering the range and power European fleet owners need.
“Now the challenge is establishing a competitive Total Cost of Ownership across all use cases, requiring policy action across the continent.
“Europe has to act quickly, to keep its leadership in a global market that China already looks to dominate.”