Renault Trucks is to supply vehicles from its fully electric E-Tech T range to two of the consortiums selected to receive funding as part of the UK Government’s £200 million Zero Emissions Road Freight Demonstration (ZERFD) Programme, which aims to accelerate the uptake of zero emissions heavy goods vehicles. 

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, led by Voltempo, brings together leading logistics specialists, high street names and hauliers to demonstrate up to 100 battery electric 40-44 tonne 4x2 and 6x2 tractor units, and a network of 32 megawatt capacity charging locations.

Project Electric Freightway, led by Gridserve, is comprised of 33 Consortium Partners and Member companies that will demonstrate a fleet of 140 battery electric HGVs alongside a network charging infrastructure of 220 megawatt chargers.

Electric vehicles for both eFREIGHT 2030 and Project Electric Freightway will be sourced from manufacturers including Renault Trucks. Additionally, eFREIGHT 2030 offers fleet operators and SMEs the opportunity to join as associate members with a number of electric trucks managed by leasing company Vertellus as an extension of its EV Discovery Programme to be available on a subscription basis.

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “As a pioneer in electric mobility, Renault Trucks is pleased that the UK government is accelerating the decarbonisation of the commercial vehicle industry with essential funding through the ZERFD programme. We congratulate the successful consortiums, and are delighted to work with both eFREIGHT 2030 and Project Electric Freightway to fast-track the transition to zero emission HGVs in the UK. We are looking forward to supplying our E-Tech T tractor units to operators in both consortiums, many of whom have already had successful experience with our electric rigids in their fleets.”