Tarmac and TVS join the 14 founding members of the eFreight 2030 consortium to demonstrate electric vehicles in challenging applications.
The eFreight 2030 initiative is part of the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID), funded through Innovate UK.
The project is introducing 100 electric HGV tractor units and 32 new charging locations over several years for an evaluation that is expected to help end reliance on diesel.??
As part of initiative, Tarmac will operate five battery powered HGVs (e-HGVs) equipped with a range of trailers to supply its cement, aggregate, asphalt and plant movements. Tarmac is also developing a fast-charging network around London to enable truck range to be increased and match the duty cycle of its existing fleet.
The e-HGVs – four Renault Trucks and one DAF – will join Tarmac’s eDiscovery Programme, which allows its supply chain partners to lease an electric truck for six months for evaluation.
TVS Interfleet is a truck body builder and parent company of McPhee Mixers, which developed the UK’s first fully electric concrete mixer in partnership with Tarmac and Renault Trucks.
Another TVS Interfleet subsidiary, Wilcox Commercial Vehicles, will supply Tarmac with one of the trailers for aggregate and asphalt movements for this project. This trailer will be equipped with a Tipper Active Safety System (TASS) with passive and active safety controls.
Innovate UK programme manager Isabella Panovic said: “eFreight 2030 is a transformative project that is paving the way for zero-emission freight transport in the UK. The addition of Tarmac and TVS Interfleet to the consortium brings valuable expertise in construction logistics and vehicle innovation, further strengthening our ability to demonstrate the real-world viability of electric HGVs. Innovate UK is proud to support this initiative, which will accelerate the transition to sustainable, low-carbon freight and contribute to the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Tarmac head of logistics Ben Garner said: “At Tarmac, we are focused on delivering innovative, low-carbon solutions that support our transition to net-zero, and our partnership with TVS Interfleet and our OEM partners enables us to continue our drive toward decarbonising the construction sector. By bringing e-HGVs into these demanding aspects of Tarmac’s operations and working with like-minded partners through eFreight 2030, it further strengthens our ability to create a greener construction supply chain.”
TVS Interfleet product director Andrew Scott said: “Joining eFreight 2030 enables us to extend the partnership with Tarmac which saw us develop the UK’s first electric concrete mixer. As with that initiative, where we were able to develop enhanced safety systems for a familiar construction vehicle, we look forward to doing the same for the Wilcox tipping trailer.”
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