A new case study from the Scottish Wholesale Association, Renault Trucks and specialist contract hire provider Vertellus has found that electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) can already match, and in some cases exceed, diesel performance on local wholesale delivery routes – with up to 95% of short and regional journeys achievable using electric trucks.
However, it highlights that charging infrastructure – especially beyond built-up areas such as Scotland’s central belt, as well as support with building confidence in route planning and incorporating eHGVs into fleets, remains an area where development is needed.
The findings come from the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme, which allows wholesalers to lease 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D electric HGVs for 12 months at a cost comparable to diesel equivalents.
Facilitated by SWA, two wholesalers – United Wholesale (Scotland) and Creed Foodservice – took part in the trial, operating the vehicles in real-world conditions across multiple seasons on multi-drop food and drink delivery routes.
Ylva Haglund, head of sustainability and communications at the Scottish Wholesale Association, said: “Joining the EV Discovery Programme offered both companies an opportunity to accelerate their journey towards net zero by testing eHGVs in real-world operations, while gaining practical insights into electric vehicles in fleet operations.
“The wholesale sector has understandable reasons to be cautious about electrification – tight schedules, thin margins, and no room for deliveries to fail.
“What this trial shows is that those concerns and the reality of electric HGVs are starting to diverge. That should give wholesalers confidence to begin their own transition.”
Looking ahead, Ylva said that while full fleet electrification will require continued investment in infrastructure, vehicle choice and training support, the case study concludes that wholesalers can begin their transition today, starting with the routes that already work.
Rhian Burrell, managing director, Vertellus, said: “The findings from UWS and Creed Foodservice underline thevalue of the EV Discovery Programme of trialling electric trucks in real-worldoperations before making longer-term decisions. Both wholesalers now have amuch clearer understanding of where electric fits in their fleet and how muchof their operation could make the switch today.
“Sharing these learnings morewidely through the case study gives wholesalers and other fleets looking atelectric greater confidence in what’s possible, and valuable insights intowhere it could work for them.”
At Renault Trucks UK, Roger Clarke, head of electromobility and advanced customer solutions, said: “These results demonstrate how well the Renault Trucks E-Tech D is suited to demanding wholesale operations. Urban and regional routes are a real sweet spot for electric trucks and a practical place to start.
“Trialling through the EV Discovery Programme puts that capability to the test in real-world operation, giving businesses the data, insights and experience to understand what works for their fleet and the confidence to take the next step.”
Steve Rich, operations director at Creed Foodservice, commented: “The EV Discovery Programme has been invaluable in allowing us to explore the real-world capabilities of the eHGV without the significant investment that would be needed to purchase our own vehicle. We hope other wholesalers can take confidence from our positive experience and look to replicate within their own operations.”
Meanwhile, Chris Gallacher, managing director of United Wholesale (Scotland), said: “This trial has shown us that electric trucks can perform effectively within our day-to-day delivery operation while also reducing emissions and running costs. The positive response from our drivers and customers has been particularly encouraging and gives us confidence to keep moving forward.
“We are fully committed toreducing emissions across our business, and introducing electric vehicles is animportant part of our long-term sustainability plans. It will also help us support the sustainability ambitions of our suppliers and retail customers.
“I would like to thank the entire team at United Wholesale (Scotland), together with the Scottish Wholesale Association, Renault Trucks UK, Vertellus and all our external partners for their support and hard work throughout this journey. There is still more to do, but this experience has shown that meaningful change is both possible and practical.”
