Supporting HGV Operators in Transition: From Hydrogen to Battery Electric
Key Ideas
- Operators can overcome the prohibitive capital cost of electric trucks through contract hiring with full maintenance, reducing risk and funding only a portion of the total cost.
- EO Charging offers innovative solutions and a charging as a service model to support operators, making the transition to electric fleets more affordable and seamless.
- Government support, including funding public charging infrastructure and increasing grants towards electric trucks, is crucial to incentivize HGV operators to invest in zero carbon vehicles.
- Range anxiety is decreasing as battery technology advances, with electric trucks now offering significant mileage, enabling practical daily usage with appropriate charging infrastructure.
John Granby, director of e-Truck and e-Van at EO Charging, shares insights on supporting HGV operators in transitioning to net zero with battery electric vehicles over hydrogen. Granby highlights the challenges operators face due to the high capital cost of electric trucks but suggests solutions like contract hiring with maintenance to mitigate risks. EO Charging provides user-friendly ways to facilitate the shift to electric fleets, including a charging as a service model to amortize infrastructure costs over time. Granby emphasizes the need for government support through grants for infrastructure development and subsidies for electric trucks to make the transition more accessible. He advocates for clear decarbonization deadlines, improved charging infrastructure, and cost-effective incentives to drive adoption of zero carbon trucks. Granby also addresses the evolving range capabilities of electric trucks, dispelling range anxiety concerns with technological advancements. Regarding hydrogen, Granby argues against its practicality in the UK due to the prevalence of electric charging infrastructure and the limited need for long-haul capabilities in local deliveries. He emphasizes the importance of aligning government policies with industry needs to achieve a successful transition to sustainable transportation.
Topics
Fuel Cells
Funding
Charging Infrastructure
Public Service
Government Grants
Electric Fleets
Infrastructure Cost
Operation Shift
Decarbonisation Deadlines
Latest News