WHILE THERE IS UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHICH MIX OF

TECHNOLOGIES IS BEST FOR

CLEAN HGVS , THERE ARE SOME

NECESSARY ACTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN

NOW . of road vehicles , they are responsible for a disproportionate 22 % of CO ₂ emissions and as the sales of passenger EVs continue to rise , the relative share of truck emissions will naturally increase . As the transition to electrified passenger cars popularises therefore , the challenge to electrify trucks will intensify .

The customers are coming

This is a challenge which shows promising resolve thanks to market forces working for the greener good . Corporate sustainability agendas are changing priorities in business operations and supply chains , creating positive pressure on the phase-out of combustion trucks before the 2040 UK government deadline .

Leading UK delivery and logistics companies , including DPD , are pushing ahead with zero emissions fleets in cities such as Oxford . DPD has recently announced that its entire Oxford-based fleet operates on batteries . While currently focused on the 3.5 tonne vehicle segment , it ’ s clear that such logistics companies are pushing ahead with the electrification of their fleets . In turn , these businesses are experiencing an increase in the demand for sustainable and zero emission vehicles from their clients .

Charging infrastructure

The charging infrastructure needed for delivering the shift away from the internal combustion engine is coming . In the UK , we ’ ve seen progressive moves from companies such as Pivot Power , part of EDF Renewables , bringing large battery storage projects , connected directly to the transmission system , and providing the electricity capacity for largescale electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the UK .

Graeme Cooper , Head of Future Markets – Transport Decarbonisation at the National Grid , said : “ After car and vans , HGVs are the highest emitter , so it is essential that there is a clear plan to reduce emissions with clear targets and milestones both nationally and locally , including a target date for ending the sale of diesel HGVs . While there is uncertainty as to

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