Electric Freightway Programme Completes Aquisition of First eHGVs

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In a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable transport, the first two fully electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs) have been joyously delivered under the innovative Electric Freightway programme to A.F. Blakemore and Son. This visionary company is ambitiously replacing their diesel-powered trucks with these advanced electric marvels.

The Electric Freightway is a vital component of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme. Lavishly funded by the Department for Transport and skillfully executed in partnership with Innovate UK, this initiative is ardently working to establish the foundation for a nationwide charging network tailored for electric trucks.

A.F. Blakemore and Son, a prestigious multi-generational family business and the largest SPAR wholesaler in the UK, is one of the 33 committed consortium members participating in this trailblazing plan to decarbonise the country’s heavy goods transport. Led by the expert electric vehicle charging specialists at GRIDSERVE, and with Hitachi ZeroCarbon meticulously overseeing all vehicle data collection, analysis, and reporting, the programme promises to transform the landscape of freight transport.

Boasting an impressive delivery fleet of 103 articulated units with 178 trailers and 130 rigid HGV vehicles, A.F. Blakemore & Son has eagerly integrated two Volvo FM Electric tractor units into its operations. Supplied by Hartshorne Group and Volvo Trucks, these state-of-the-art vehicles symbolise a significant commitment to environmental sustainability and are already actively operating from the company’s Bedford depot.

Each of these remarkable vehicles is equipped with a 540kWh battery and three robust electric motors, delivering a powerful 675bhp and a maximum range of 185 miles. This enables them to efficiently replace roles previously performed by their diesel-powered counterparts. A.F. Blakemore and Son estimates that these vehicles will save an astonishing 45,000 litres of diesel annually and prevent more than 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

The comprehensive data from these vehicles, diligently collected by Hitachi ZeroCarbon, will include battery state of charge and health, vehicle load, geography and terrain, and weather and seasonal impacts. This invaluable information will provide A.F. Blakemore and Son with a crystal-clear understanding of eHGV compatibility on existing routes and the total cost of ownership compared to diesel HGVs.

In an exciting second phase, two additional eHGVs will be procured under the Electric Freightway programme to operate from the company’s central distribution centre in Willenhall, West Midlands. This further illustrates the company’s unwavering commitment to developing a zero-emissions fleet.

Caoire Blakemore, the enthusiastic Responsible Business Director at A.F. Blakemore, expressed: “We are absolutely thrilled to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the convenience retail sector. The addition of these electric HGVs vividly demonstrates our deep commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We believe this is just the beginning of our exciting journey towards becoming a net zero carbon company by 2040, and we are eagerly looking forward to the positive impact these vehicles will have on our operations and the environment.”

The heavy goods sector currently accounts for nearly 20% of the UK’s transport CO2 emissions despite contributing a relatively small fraction of the mileage of cars. If the 400,000 HGVs on UK roads today were switched to electric, the UK could spectacularly save more than 18.6Mt CO2 each year.

Sam Clarke, the jubilant Chief Vehicle Officer at GRIDSERVE, added: “This is a proud and momentous day for everyone involved in the Electric Freightway programme. Very soon, GRIDSERVE will be installing the depot charging infrastructure that will support these impressive trucks. A.F. Blakemore and Son has such a deep understanding of retail, wholesale, and foodservice, but it’s their admirable values-led culture that makes them a perfect consortium partner. We’re looking forward to enthusiastically supporting their decarbonisation journey and hope that many others will follow their bold lead.”

Alistair Barnes, the passionate Senior Programme Manager at Innovate UK, noted: “We are incredibly proud to support the Electric Freightway programme alongside the Department for Transport. It is truly fantastic to help companies like A.F. Blakemore and Son play their part in the UK’s world-leading plans to decarbonise our vital transport network and share valuable learning.”

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