The UK government has set ambitious new deadlines to phase out diesel trucks, sparking a major expansion of the nation's electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Labour administration plans to outlaw the sale of new diesel trucks weighing 26 tonnes or less by 2035, with a complete ban on all heavier models following by 2040.
Industry Backbone Faces Major Shift
Simon Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Voltempo, described the 2040 deadline as a "major shift for an industry that keeps Britain moving." Speaking to GB News, he emphasised the critical need for a reliable transition. "Trucks are the backbone of UK business, so any transition to electric must give drivers and fleet operators real confidence that it will work day-to-day," Smith stated.
He pointed to rapid advancements making electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) a viable commercial choice. "Electric HGVs are quickly becoming a smart business choice. Battery prices are falling, ranges are improving, and overall running costs are heading in the right direction," he added.
Building a Nationwide Charging Corridor
To support this monumental shift, Voltempo is spearheading the development of the UK's largest dedicated truck charging network. The initiative, known as eFREIGHT 2030, will initially establish charging points at 37 depot locations across the country.
The project is a key part of the UK Government's £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The network will be powered by Voltempo's proprietary HyperCharger technology, capable of delivering up to one megawatt (1,000kW) of power for rapid and reliable recharging.
"With more charging corridors and motorway hubs powered by our HyperCharger technology, operators can have the confidence to electrify entire fleets," Mr Smith explained.
European Logistics Embraces an Electric Future
The move aligns with a broader European push towards cleaner transport. Chris Heron, Secretary General of E-Mobility Europe, told GB News that electrified trucks represent the "future for European logistics," crucial for cutting costs, reducing emissions, and meeting net zero targets.
"Advances in batteries and charging mean they are already delivering the range and power European fleet owners need," Heron said. However, he highlighted the next challenge: "establishing a competitive Total Cost of Ownership across all use cases, requiring policy action across the continent."
He issued a stark warning on the global race, noting, "Europe has to act quickly, to keep its leadership in a global market that China already looks to dominate."
The combined effect of the government's ban and the concurrent infrastructure rollout marks a decisive step in the UK's transport decarbonisation strategy, setting a clear roadmap for the logistics and haulage industry's electric future.
