Truck manufacturers and major UK fleet operators are accelerating the transition to zero-emission logistics through Project JOLT, a national research programme now testing four electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) in real-world operation.

With all trucks now deployed and sending performance data every second to the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (CSRF) in Cambridge, the initiative is gathering crucial insights into battery behaviour, operational range and commercial viability.

The project aims to determine whether eHGVs can replace 44-tonne diesel trucks - potentially eliminating 6% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Bringing together 12 fleet operators, four truck manufacturers, multiple technology partners and two universities, Project JOLT explores how the journey to net zero can be de-risked through shared learning and robust data.

Four leading OEMs are actively involved. In Hull, Jacksons Bakery, part of the William Jackson Food Group, is trialling a Mercedes e-Actros 600 and a Scania G230E. Meanwhile, the DAF XD FT 350e and Volvo FH42TE are operating from John Lewis Partnership’s Magna Park distribution centre, supporting nationwide deliveries alongside an existing Scania eHGV. Both operators run relatively light loads, enabling detailed testing of achievable range and charging patterns.

Jacksons Bakery is assessing whether each of its 30 diesel-run routes could transition to electric. “It’s a real opportunity to explore how electric trucks could work for our business,” said managing director Owen Elliott, who notes strong driver feedback and valuable learning on route planning and efficiency.

John Lewis Partnership is running the trial alongside its biomethane fleet as part of its mission to become fossil-free by 2030 and net zero by 2035. Fleet engineer Dave Wake said the project is helping define the pathway and timeline needed to hit environmental targets.

With early results promising, the trucks will move to two further national operators next year, expanding insight into more challenging duty cycles and supporting the business case for large-scale eHGV adoption.

Photo: Samantha Michaels and Simon Ashton of Jacksons Bakery with the Mercedes and Scania trial trucks.