A new initiative called the SCALE consortium, led by Voltempo, has been established to tackle the significant issue of carbon emissions from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in Scotland. Currently, HGVs contribute approximately 12.8% of the nation’s total CO₂ emissions, highlighting the urgent need for decarbonization in the freight sector.
The consortium is backed by Transport Scotland through its £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund and aims to develop next-generation electric HGV (eHGV) charging solutions. This initiative will involve vehicle manufacturers that produce HGVs ranging from 7.5 to 44 tonnes, with a focus on testing these vehicles in real-world scenarios across various sectors, including food distribution, parcel deliveries to remote areas, and the transportation of essential medical supplies.
A key component of the SCALE strategy is the establishment of a community-owned charging network. This network will prioritize shared charging hubs designed to accommodate both large and small fleet operators, ensuring that all hauliers have access to the necessary infrastructure. Financial support packages will be tailored to assist smaller vehicle operators, who play a crucial role in the Scottish logistics landscape.
Voltempo will oversee the consortium’s operations from a new office in Glasgow, strategically located near two upcoming Voltempo HyperCharger sites set to launch in 2026. The SCALE initiative builds upon Voltempo’s previous experience as the project lead for the UK-wide eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, which is part of the UK government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID).
Michael Boxwell, the founder of Voltempo, expressed optimism about Scotland’s potential to transition to zero-emission freight. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating a national charging ecosystem that supports all operators, from large fleets to small rural hauliers, thereby enabling Scotland to achieve its ambitious freight decarbonization goals.
The SCALE proposal is set to be reviewed by Transport Scotland in early 2026, with the potential rollout beginning later that year if approved. Small fleet operators interested in participating in the project are encouraged to reach out for more information.
Discussions about the SCALE initiative will take place at the RTX Scotland conference in Glasgow on November 20, where key figures from the project will outline the progress and future of electric HGVs in Scotland.
This article was submitted via the World of Renewables press desk.
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