DP World expands EV trial

The second phase of the programme, known as the Electric Vehicle Introduction and Transition Accelerator (EVITA) trial, will begin in July and run until 2029. Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, Project JOLT and vehicle rental firm Hireco, the scheme allows hauliers to trial electric HGVs for 12 weeks at costs comparable to diesel vehicles.

More than 1,500 trucks from over 60 UK hauliers are now registered to DP World’s Low Carbon Truck Programme. The latest initiative is designed to provide real-world experience of operating electric trucks across existing logistics networks and supply chains.

Initially, electric HGVs from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and MAN will be available, with the fleet expected to expand from October. DP World estimates the programme will deliver up to 100 trial opportunities over the next three years.

“More than 80% of UK freight is transported by road, so decarbonisation initiatives that empower hauliers to take action on their own supply chains are key for the UK energy transition,” said John Trenchard, vice president, Sustainable Supply Chains – Europe at DP World.

“With the EVITA trial, DP World is demonstrating its commitment to enabling the industry to adopt more sustainable methods of moving goods through a practical and commercially attractive pathway.”

Among the first companies participating in the latest phase is ATL Haulage, which has taken delivery of a MAN electric HGV fitted with tracking technology to monitor performance, efficiency and environmental impact.

“A month in with the MAN electric HGV and we’re doing exactly what EVITA was designed for – testing, learning and adapting,” commented Drew Roberts, managing director of ATL Haulage.

He added that integrating the vehicle into container operations at Southampton had highlighted the practical differences between managing electric and diesel-powered fleets, while helping the company ‘de-risk the unknown’.

The programme builds on a pilot launched in January, supported by dedicated high-capacity charging infrastructure at DP World Southampton.