Three UK hauliers, DP World, Howard Tenens, and Port Express, have committed to purchasing or leasing electric heavy goods vehicles following their participation in the Project JOLT research initiative. The programme, led by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, evaluated the operational and economic feasibility of electric trucks across 15 fleet operators and five manufacturers.
Project JOLT identified potential fuel cost savings of approximately £0.21 per kilometer for operators transitioning from diesel to electric. The trials allowed companies to assess specific routes, payload capacities, and battery performance, helping to determine the suitability of electric trucks for commercial freight operations.
DP World is making the most significant investment, acquiring two MAN eTGX units and ordering eight more for its Bicester depot. Once delivered, these will bring the site's electric fleet to 13 out of 37 vehicles. Howard Tenens has ordered one MAN eTGX and one eTGS, planning to power them with its own renewable energy sources.
Port Express has secured a two-year lease for a Volvo FH electric tractor unit to serve a shuttle route to Milton Keynes. This move aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions for retail clients. The company noted that the project helped clarify operational requirements and match vehicle capabilities to their specific logistics needs.
These investments follow broader industry efforts, including DP World's EVITA programme, which provides businesses access to electric HGVs for up to 12-week trial periods. The initiative is designed to help fleet operators evaluate the performance of electric trucks against traditional diesel models within their existing supply chains.
