A comprehensive 12-month real-world commercial vehicle trial has revealed that electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) can already match, and in many operational scenarios exceed, the performance of traditional diesel trucks.
Conducted as part of the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme in partnership with the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) and Renault Trucks UK, the trial placed 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D electric HGVs directly into multi-drop food and drink wholesale operations across Scotland. Participating operators included United Wholesale (Scotland) and Creed Foodservice.
The Real-World Data:
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95% Route Compatibility: Up to 95% of regional and short-haul wholesale delivery journeys are completely achievable using current-generation electric trucks.
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Massive Range Headroom: Operational range concerns proved largely unfounded in practice; trial vehicles utilised an average of just 36% of their total battery capacity per shift, demonstrating significant scope for heavier payloads and longer multi-drop runs.
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Lower Operating Costs: Depot-based charging delivered running cost savings of £10 to £20 per 100 km for United Wholesale, while Creed Foodservice recorded annual fuel cost savings exceeding £6,630 per vehicle.
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Substantial Carbon Reductions: Each eHGV delivered carbon emissions savings exceeding 50 kg of CO₂ per 100 km, cutting between 10 and 13 tonnes of tailpipe carbon per truck annually.
What did the team say?
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John Curtis:
"Vehicle range is heavily underestimated. Trial electric trucks used just 36% of battery capacity on average while matching diesel on multi-drop routes."
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Sara Sloman:
"Depot charging is the key. A well-planned, dynamic low-voltage depot connection is the fastest way to slash refuelling costs for electric trucks."
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Sam Clarke:
"Go figure: electric vehicles on shorter journeys just work. Whether it’s a car, van, or 18-tonne truck, the vast majority of commercial routes are ready today."