First fully electric HGV joins Welch’s Transport for Government trials

The first electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV), deployed via the eFreight 2030 consortium, has joined Welch’s Transport.

The 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T 4x2 has been delivered to the Cambridgeshire-based freight, haulage and logistics business where it will operate out of their flagship site in Duxford on regional distribution and long-haul deliveries. 

The arrival of the E-Tech also marks the first deployment of Renault Trucks’ heavy duty regional distribution model in customer operations in the UK.

Welch’s Transport and Renault Trucks are among the 14 founding members of the eFreight 2030 consortium, part of the Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme which is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

It is introducing 100 eHGV tractor units and 32 new charging locations over a multi-year real world evaluation of electric HGVs that will shape the future of zero emission transport. 

Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and I’m delighted that e-Freight 2030, Renault Trucks and Welch’s Transport are coming along on the journey.

“A greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why our demonstrator programme aims to scale up zero emission HGVs and install the right infrastructure to decarbonise road freight. This is an excellent example of industry and government collaborating to reach net zero.”

Welch’s Transport recently spoke to Fleet News about its blueprint for its electric truck transition. 

The introduction of the first Renault Trucks E-Tech T, which will be joined by a second early next year, marks a major step in the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

This follows Welch’s 2023 investment in a 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide for Cambridge’s first Net Zero delivery service and the installation of the UK’s first publicly accessible 150kW supercharger at its Duxford site, where the new eHGVs will be charged.

Chris Welch, managing director of the Welch Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this landmark shift towards decarbonising road freight.

“The introduction of our first fully electric 42-tonne HGV is not just a step forward for the Group, but a crucial milestone for the industry.

“This vehicle demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency can go hand in hand as we work to make zero-emission freight a reality.

“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible within the SME environment and leading the way in sustainable logistics for the UK.”

With zero tailpipe emissions, the E-Tech T is powered by six 90 kWh batteries and three electric motors, delivering up to 490kW continuous power and maximum torque of 2400Nm, coupled to Renault Trucks’ Optidriver AT 2412 12 speed automated gearbox.

Michael Boxwell, Group CEO of Voltempo, which heads up the eFreight 2030 consortium, said: "It's fantastic to see the first electric HGVs on the road with Welch’s Transport as part of the eFreight 2030 project, which combines the operational and technical expertise necessary to decarbonise road freight transport from the largest fleets to SMEs. 

“We’re eager to start gaining insights into the real-world performance of eHGVs to demonstrate how they can replace conventional HGVs at scale.”

Carlos Rodrigues, managing director of Renault Trucks UK and Ireland, added: "We're delighted to see the first E-Tech T on the road with Welch’s Transport and look forward to many more joining eFreight 2030 member fleets in the coming months.

“With over 100 Renault Trucks battery electric vehicles already operating in the UK, our dealer network—backed by four years of investment and development—is fully prepared to support operators as the industry accelerates this vital transition.”

The 14 founding members of eFreight 2030 include: fleet operators Expect Distribution, Kuehne+Nagel, Maritime Transport, Menzies Distribution, Welch’s Transport and Wincanton; retailer Marks and Spencer; vehicle manufacturers DAF Trucks, Renault Trucks and Scania; software provider Dynamon, charge point manufacturer and eFreight 2030 project lead, Voltempo Group; charging hub owner and operator, Fleete Group and Data and Research partner, Energy Systems Catapult.