Lack of charging facilities a ‘barrier’ for electric lorries in UK

The scarcity of charging infrastructure is severely hindering the adoption of electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) in the UK, with transport firms like Welch’s facing operational limits due to inadequate facilities and high costs. Despite environmental benefits and growing sales, the lack of HGV-specific charging points remains a critical obstacle to achieving broader electrification goals. Welch’s Transport, based in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, operates three Renault e-Tech T electric lorries within a fleet of 70 diesel vehicles, restricting them to regional routes within a 160km radius due to a maximum range of 200 miles per charge. This limitation forces careful route planning and avoids long-haul journeys, where diesel trucks can travel up to 1,500 miles without refueling. Drivers appreciate the electric trucks’ instant torque and smooth acceleration, but the practical constraints impact daily operations and efficiency. The economic aspect is complex; while mileage costs are lower within the limited range, higher capital expenses—two to three times that of diesel HGVs—and uncertain depreciation rates make the financial viability challenging without subsidies or infrastructure improvements. Public charging infrastructure for eHGVs is extremely scarce, with only two operational sites in the UK and around 1,100 across Western Europe, necessitating urgent expansion to support the transition. Additionally, public charging costs are prohibitively high at 79 pence per kWh, compared to 17 pence at depot charging, further discouraging national operations. Environmental incentives are a key driver, as eHGVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and leverage renewable energy sources, which constituted over 50% of UK electricity generation last year. Customers like the British Antarctic Survey, targeting net zero by 2040, actively partner with Welch’s to reduce carbon footprints in logistics. Sales of eHGVs are rising, with 1,271 in the UK—a 28% increase from 2023—and similar growth in the EU and US, reflecting a gradual shift towards electrification ahead of 2040 mandates for all new HGVs to be electric. Government support includes a £30 million grant for depot charging and incentives for vehicle purchases, aimed at making eHGVs more accessible and affordable. Experts from organizations like Transport & Environment highlight that depot charging alone could electrify nearly half of trucks, as most travel less than 300km daily, reducing reliance on public infrastructure. New initiatives, such as a facility in Immingham by Milence offering cheaper fast charging, indicate progress, but scalability depends on broader investment and collaboration. The next significant challenge is expanding electricity grid capacity to meet rising demand, as current plans may underestimate future needs, requiring prompt government action to ensure a smooth transition to sustainable freight transport.