Real-world trials to take place for heavy duty transport
As part of the UK government’s wider Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID), ZenFreight welcomes John G Russell Ltd to join the consortium trialling hydrogen fuel cell (HFCEV) and battery electric HGVs.
The ZenFreight project, led by Dynamon, will take three MAN battery electric HGVs and three hydrogen-electric Scania HFCEVs to be trialled. This will be the first UK trial of these batteries used in a six-by-two configuration.
Funding is provided by the Department for Transport, being delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. ZenFreight allows operators to directly compare and contrast BEVs’ performance against HFCEVs in real-world applications and scenarios.
Russell is set to join the consortium nationwide network of depot-based electric charging infrastructure, and will install a hydrogen storage and filling solution at their depot in Coatbridge, Glasgow, Scotland, as part of the arrangement. Providing both hydrogen and electric facilities will help speed up net zero efforts.
Graham Russell, director at Russell, said: “As latecomers to the project Russell has taken up the challenge to support the DFT Project as it is in line with the company’s goals. It has taken a great effort by our team lead by Group Fleet Engineer, Stephen Madden to put us in the position where we are now proud to be announced as having joined ZenFreight and build on the great work already undertaken by our consortium colleagues.”
Gregory Distribution, Maritime Transport and DFDS are other key members of the consortium that is headed by Dynamon. Imperial College London has partnered as the academic partner, and truck manufacturers DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Scania, and Volvo Trucks have also joined the cause.
Russell added: “Our group is committed to sustainable logistics, using innovation and cutting-edge technology to reduce our environmental impact. As a key player in our customers’ supply chains, we take this responsibility seriously. The ZEHID demonstration project is a major step forward, allowing us to trial both electric and hydrogen technologies for heavy duty transport in real world operation, an exciting opportunity to build confidence in the future of zero emission freight, and we are delighted to be at the forefront, and play our part in driving the transition to cleaner, greener logistics.”
All vehicles involved in the project should be on the road by March 2026, with most sites being active during 2025. The sites will operate for five years as part of the project, as performances are benchmarked against diesel alternatives.
Angus Webb, CEO of Dynamon, said: “We warmly welcome Russell to the consortium, as they integrate both technologies into their fleet for real world trials. With a nationwide fleet and a seamlessly connected road and rail network, Russell delivers high-standard logistics solutions across the FMCG sector and beyond with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, making them the ideal fleet to demonstrate zero-emission vehicles.”
