Logistics electrification continues to gain momentum

Electrification in the field of freight transport continues to gain momentum. More and more companies are purchasing electric trucks for cargo transportation. Simultaneously, the supporting infrastructure has been developing. However, what will this mean for the construction industry, and how will electric-powered transport develop in the future?

The main source: Saint-Gobain goes electric

What is the current situation?

Electric vehicles will be used as part of a five-year operational trial based at a logistics hub in the Midlands. Four 350 kW charging units have been installed at this center. They are capable to charge electric vehicles up to 80% in just 90 minutes. Full charging process in continues under two hours. The program will serve as a real test for the trucks, as they are expected to complete 12,000 deliveries. The main goal -achieve two delivery cycles per day across the Midlands.

The UK’s “Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicles and Infrastructure” (ZEHID) program is the main investor in this project. It was launched by the government in 2023 to support innovative green projects focused on trialing zero-emission heavy trucks.

How will the electrification of logistics influence the industry in the near future?

Many advantages for the building industry will be brought by electrification of logistics. Dean O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, said:
“The trial of six zero-emission heavy-duty trucks in the Midlands is another step forward for us. It`s a continuation of the transformation we have begun over the past few years to transition our fleet to low-carbon HVO fuel. The main goal of our long-term operational testing is reducing the impact of our business and ultimately achieving our goal of becoming a net-zero carbon company. We will work closely with customers and our drivers throughout this period to gather their feedback. Also we will see how fully electric trucks at scale can fit into our logistics service offering.”

Fencyx, as one of the leaders of the UK building industry, evaluates this situation positively. We hope that the electrification of freight transport will continue to gain momentum. This process will make logistics simpler and more cost-effective.

Read also: UK construction companies face work delays due to staff shortages