DFDS rolls out 10 heavy-duty electric trucks across the UK

DFDS has said they are on route to becoming one of the largest operators of heavy-duty electric trucks in the UK.

This follows the ferry and logistics provider's announcement introducing 10 electric trucks delivering goods in east and northwest England and in Ireland.

According to DFDS this is part the company's push for low-emission transport in the UK and they have said it is possible more trucks will follow in 2025.

Allan Bell, Vice President and head of DFDS Logistics in UK & Ireland said: "DFDS wants to drive the transition to low-emission road transport.

"We are pleased to be deploying electric trucks in the UK, which will enable us to support more companies that want to decarbonise their supply chains."

Although this is a positive step forward, Alan stressed there are some challenges ahead across sectors to work together to meet decarbonisation targets.

An example he mentioned was setting up charging infrastructure but emphasised that DFSD are committed to help push development forward.

In the first half of 2024 1.2 million miles were driven using DFDS eTrucks achieving a CO2e emissions reduction of 2.112 tonnes.

Additionally, since the expansion of their fleet in 2022, electric trucks now operate in Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

In total DFDS said they have deployed 115 electric trucks, with 110 more on the way.

"We already have extensive experience operating electric trucks on several European markets, and we will use that experience in the UK.

"The interest from UK companies in more sustainable road transport solutions is substantial, and we have ambitions to scale up our low-emission transport offerings in the future.

"And with electric trucks operating across our extensive network, we can help lower the emissions for customers not only in the UK but on freight across Europe," Allan added.

DFDS in partnership with UK based Zero Emission Northern (ZEN) Freight consortium are working together to accelerate detransition with plans to establish a network of hydrogen refuelling and electric charging stations.

Additionally DFDS said it has a groupwide target of having 25% of its truck fleet electrified by 2030 as they collaborate with energy partners to set up charging infrastructure in several markets across Europe.