programmes
Zero-Emission Heavy Goods Vehicles
Connected Places Catapult is helping to accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are vital to industry and represent the backbone of trade and commerce worldwide. They are responsible for ensuring we have access to food, medicines, and goods of all kinds.
Almost 90% of domestic goods transported in the UK in 2022 were moved by road – the vast majority of which by HGVs. These vehicles currently produce approximately 19% of all UK domestic transport greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, this must be reduced to zero, in line with the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy.
Connected Places Catapult is supporting Innovate UK and the Department for Transport with the Zero-Emission HGV & Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, which represents a public investment of up to £200 million, match-funded by industry. The programme is deploying the first large (40+ tonne) zero-emission HGVs in significant numbers, together with supporting infrastructure, which will enable freight operators to determine the suitability of the new technology for their operations. Public-facing battery-electric charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations will enable HGVs to go beyond ‘back to base’ operations.
Together with the British Standards Institution (BSI), Connected Places Catapult is supporting partners involved in the Innovate UK-funded demonstrations, and stakeholders in the wider zero-emission HGV ecosystem.
In the coming weeks, we will publish a suite of reports, including:
- UK Investment Prospectus for Zero Emission HGVs and Infrastructure
For those considering investing in or financing zero emission HGVs, or charging or refuelling infrastructure in the UK. The prospectus outlines the exciting opportunities in this growing market and highlights the UK's strong foundations for investment in zero emission HGVs and infrastructure. - Ensuring safety in the transition to zero emission road freight
Best practice guidance for developing and operating safe refuelling and recharging infrastructure for zero emission HGVs. - Planning and delivery of infrastructure for zero emission HGVs
Setting out the key considerations and optimal pathways for the planning and delivery of zero-emission HGV infrastructure. - Investment and Export Potential for the UK’s Zero Emissions Road Freight sector
Explores the scale of the opportunity for the UK market and discusses current challenges to attracting investment and finance to the sector. The report concludes with recommendations for industry and policymakers to support the sector overcome these challenges.
To be notified as soon as these reports are available, please complete this form.
Standards – in partnership with BSI
Standards are crucial in ensuring zero-emission HGVs can roll out in an efficient and safe manner, with interoperability embedded from the start, and to create a market that delivers on required outcomes. Through the standards work, in partnership with BSI, we have formed a Standards Advisory Group for zero-emission road freight that will provide the decision making and governance for the standards development work. Three ‘flex’ standards, which are well suited to fast-moving areas of innovation, are currently being developed.
Further to the publication of the Zero Emission HGVs and Infrastructure Standards Prioritization Report, we’re pleased to announce that the following standards have been released as part of our project:
BSI Flex 2071 offers recommendations on how to design charging sites for battery electric HGVs, including safety considerations and optimal layouts.
Specification for operating workshops, inspection, and maintenance of battery electric and hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty vehicles.
Design recommendations and implementation of mobile and static hydrogen refuelling sites – Code of practice.
Further background on our standards work can be viewed here.
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to find out more, please email us at zeroemissionroadfreight@cp.catapult.org.uk.
Complete this form to be notified when new reports are available.
