Electric HGV is a "sector first" for forestry fleets

A new electric timber truck is now in operation, in the Highlands, as part of a forestry trial to help decarbonise the sector.

The vehicle, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is part of a three-year trial testing two electric vehicles (EVs) to move timber, cutting down on emissions.

Scotlog Sales of Inverness has taken delivery of the new 44 tonne wagon from Volvo Trucks, which will transport timber shipped in from the west coast to be hauled from the Port of Inverness to the West Fraser site at Dalcross.

The “wagon and drag” truck – a rigid vehicle and trailer – is the first to be produced in Europe and is fitted with a specialist Metsatek timber body and Ecco bolsters.

A second electric lorry (artic unit) has been in operation in the south of Scotland with forestry business James Jones & Sons.

Scottish Forestry is investing £452,000 towards the trial which is partnering with Scotlog Sales, James Jones & Sons, the Volvo Group and Cleaner EV.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Around 7 million tonnes of wood are harvested from Scotland’s forests each year and transported to sawmills, board manufacturers and other processors, mostly on 44 tonne diesel lorries.

“The forestry sector is keen to use modern technology to tackle timber transport issues as part of its overall efforts to decarbonise and reach Net Zero.

“I’m pleased that this second truck is now working in the Highlands and look forward to hearing more about this innovative trial and how it can help cut transport emissions.”

A key element of the three-year trial is that all the partners involved are committed to sharing their experiences of running the electric lorries with others in the timber and rural haulage sectors.

Creel Maritime consultants are monitoring the use of the lorries and arranging knowledge exchange opportunities over the course of the following three years.

Neil Stoddart, director of Creel Maritime, is managing the project with his team. He said: “In terms of road haulage, the timber industry is pretty advanced in looking for solutions to decarbonise. For example, we are reducing diesel lorry miles on many projects and opting for transport by sea.

“This is a very exciting project but there are big challenges in running HGV lorries on electric power, mainly on cost grounds and infrastructure. This three year trial will look into all these aspects and I’m keen to share as much detail on this with the industry. So far both trucks are matching expectations both in terms of commercial performance and driver operation.”