Russell Group, over the last 18 months have been members of the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce working in collaboration with other haulage companies, as well as those in manufacturing, energy, government, union and finance sectors to understand and overcome the barriers to zero emission HGVs in Scotland.

We are proud to share that together we have developed The HGV Decarbonisation Pathway and are committed to implementing it.

The decarbonisation of HGVs is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting global climate targets. Nevertheless, the shift to zero emission HGVs is not without its difficulties. Indeed, The HGV Decarbonisation Pathway identified four main obstacles presented by a transition to zero emission trucks. The factors included, a lack of energy infrastructure, financial models, confidence in technological and commercial change, and workforce skills.

In identifying these challenges, the Taskforce created specific actions to implement over the next few years and reached 3 important conclusions which must shape all further action:

  1. None of us can do this alone, working collaboratively is essential.
  2. Where the technology is proven and commercially viable, haulage, energy and finance businesses should be transitioning now.
  3. Action is needed to enable smaller fleet operators to collaborate, reducing risk and opening up opportunities.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop launched the pathway during a keynote address to the Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference.

Ms Hyslop said:

“It’s a great pleasure to launch the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway for Scotland and to do so at this event reflects the extraordinary collaborative nature of this work.

“This partnership with road haulage, manufacturing, energy, government, union and commercial finance sectors is absolutely key to accelerating the transition towards zero emission trucks.

“Scotland’s economy – and society as a whole – rely on goods being moved with speed and efficiency, but these freight movements emit substantial greenhouse gases. We have worked collectively to understand and address the hurdles to transition.

“My thanks go to every member of the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce for their time and expertise developing and, going forward, delivering the pathway. No single sector or organisation can decarbonise without building new relationships across boundaries and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve – and inspire other sectors to achieve.”

Ken Russell, Russell Group’s Director of Sales and Marketing, who represented Russell Group in the Taskforce, said, “Decarbonising our vehicles is crucial to achieving our target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. The pathway we have jointly built is greatly significant in establishing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the transition to decarbonisation. We are dedicated to putting The HGV Decarbonisation Pathway into practice and are excited to meet with the Taskforce next year to review our commitments to ensure ongoing progress and address new challenges and opportunities.”