New ScotCharge project to drive eHGV uptake

Three leading UK electrification firms have taken charge of a new consortium to help accelerate electric HGV uptake in Scotland.

ScotCharge is a joint project with around 50 members from across the transport ecosystem and is being led by Dynamon, Fleete and VEV. It aims to develop a roadmap for electrifying the country’s 36,500-strong HGV fleet through a joined-up approach to infrastructure, fleet management and data analysis.

The project is being supported by Transport Scotland through £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund as part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to reach net zero by 2045. HGVs are responsible for 12% of Scotland’s transport emissions and their decarbonisation is seen as key to slashing the country’s CO2 footprint.

ScotCharge aims to take a three-pronged approach to developing a plan to electrify Scotland’s HGV fleet. Dynamon will lead fleet data analysis to identify electrifiable routes, optimal EVs, optimal charging infrastructure, site power requirements and total cost of ownership. At the same time Fleete will lead work to identify suitable charging hub sites and carry out design, cost and delivery estimates. VEV will lead on identifying and developing depot charging opportunities.

The three leads will work with partners across fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers and distribution network operators to develop an initial business case by the end of 2025 ahead of delivering a full report in March 2026.

Marcelo Soares, VP of customer and partnerships for VEV, said: “We’re excited to be building a robust funding model and investment-ready plan that will kickstart the adoption of electric HGVs and the deployment of critical charging infrastructure across Scotland.

“From the smallest of Scottish businesses to the largest multinationals, we’re committed to helping operators build their strategies for a future fleet that is dependable, scalable and supports both operations and wider business goals.”

Amber Jamieson, HGV decarbonisation team leader at Transport Scotland, added: “The response from the sector has been strong, with high quality consortium projects proposed.

“These business cases will help identify opportunities to leverage private investment alongside public funding, accelerating the transition to zero-emission HGV fleets and supporting infrastructure across Scotland.”