New funding for freight decarbonisation trials and driver facilities

Government funding of £1.8 million has been awarded to 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to trial new technology for decarbonising freight and driving innovation in the sector. 

They include Tual which will working with Wincanton to trial high performance charging for electric lorries.

Tual launched its swappable batteries for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) last month, to help address challenges facing commercial fleets looking to switch to zero emissions.

The PowerBank Pro-Charging offering comes in 120kWh and 180kWh versions and can add up to 120 miles of range, depending on application.

Battery swaps can be completed in less than five minutes and Tual said the system is compatible with existing eHGV platforms.

Also among the 10 SMEs winning a share of Government funding, is Xeroe Sustainability Logistics, which will work with DHL on a cargo bike trial alongside Virtual Micro Hubs.

The goal of this initiative is to demonstrate the economic viability of the system, significantly increase the proportion of deliveries made by cargo bikes, and accurately measure the emissions reductions achieved.

Another successful bid came from Innervated Vehicle Engineering, which will be working in partnership with Asda to retrofit hydrogen power to small delivery vans.  

The system is designed for home delivery fleet operators aiming to achieve a zero emissions vehicle fleet without impacting operational capability or efficiency.

The trial will focus on home delivery logistics in Sheffield with Asda.

The funding is the third tranche of the Department’s Freight Innovation Fund (FIF) Accelerator Programme, a £7m Government investment across three years to support the freight sector in deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to improve the way trains, lorries, vans, and ships carry parcels and goods. 

£12.5m to boost working conditions for drivers

Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood has also announced the 23 successful applicants of up to £4.5m from the Government to improve truckstops and working conditions for lorry drivers.  

The upgrades include 430 new lorry parking spaces to relieve local congestion by helping reduce the number of large trucks parking in town centres or on the side of the road. 

The investment will also help build better dining, changing and rest facilities, as well as new CCTV and secure fencing to boost welfare and security for lorry drivers.  

The funding is from the third year of the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which will come in addition to £8m from industry, for a total funding boost of £12.5m.

Greenwood said: “Freight is a crucial engine of our economy, and it is only right we do all we can to improve working conditions, pioneer innovation and drive sustainability across the industry. 

“Our funding, combined with investment from the industry, will ensure lorry drivers can enjoy safer parking, a proper rest and a warm meal, while supporting UK businesses harvest the best of technology to move freight faster, decarbonise our supply chain, and grow the economy for all.” 

The £12.5m for truckstops follows £31m in previous joint government and industry funding as part of earlier application windows.  

Together with National Highways Lorry Parking Facilities Improvements Scheme, this takes the total joint investment from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the sector to improve lorry roadside facilities to up to £64m. 

The funding, says the DfT, will be spread across England to ensure all lorry drivers in the country can benefit from better roadside facilities and better working conditions, while supporting local jobs and economic growth. 

Declan Pang, director of policy and public affairs at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “We are delighted to see funding allocated to drive improvements to standards and capacity at lorry parks and truck stops across England.

“The grant scheme continues to be a very welcome commitment from Government and the industry to bring about much-needed improvements for lorry drivers who are a vital workforce in keeping the country’s supply chains moving. We look forward to seeing the impact of these investments in improving conditions and driver welfare.”

Delivered by Connected Places Catapult, the Freight Innovation Fund gives SMEs access to technical and business support from the organisation to develop new ground-breaking projects. 

Erika Lewis, chief executive officer at Connected Places Catapult, said: “Building on the success of the Freight Innovation Fund to date, I’m very pleased to welcome a third cohort of high potential innovators on to the Accelerator.

“This programme gives bespoke support to SMEs, working hand-in-hand with industry as they trial their solutions in real-world environments.

“By supporting new ideas in freight, we are helping to unlock the sector’s potential to be greener and more efficient.”