One year of electric trucks in the UK: Partnerships, progress, and the road ahead
In October 2024, DFDS brought together UK transport and logistics leaders to launch its electric trucks. Bringing experience from launches across Europe, the event energised participants, encouraging collaboration and showing how partnership can drive the shift to sustainable road transport.
A year on, with more electric trucks on the road, increased data sharing, and expanded charging infrastructure, DFDS and its partners have made significant progress in electrifying UK road transport.
Taking action on charging infrastructure
By the end of 2025, DFDS' UK fleet will have ten electric trucks in operation. To support this rollout, and in collaboration with charging infrastructure partner Envevo, we have installed charging stations at DFDS depots in Ballymena, Grimsby, Sandhills (Liverpool), and Simonswood (Liverpool).
Construction is also underway at sites in Killingholme and Peterborough, with another project scheduled to begin soon in Shetland. By the end of the year, DFDS will have charging infrastructure in place at seven depots across the UK.
These investments provide the foundation for future expansion and help address the current lack of a UK-wide charging network for heavy goods vehicles.
Electrifying a variety of supply chains
Strategic partnerships have supported our progress and demonstrated the capability of electric trucks to carry a wide range of freight. Our electric trucks are currently used by Volvo Trucks to transport components from a supplier factory in Bradford to the port of Immingham. Hypnos Beds is set to add a third electric truck to its fleet by the end of 2025.
Electric trucks are also now deployed across the supply chains of major companies, including Amazon, supermarket chain Iceland, and Myton Food Group, a manufacturing business owned by Morrisons.
“The road to decarbonised logistics is not a distant vision. It’s here, it’s moving, and together, we are driving it forward.” - Allan Bell, Vice President UK & Ireland, DFDS
Overcoming challenges
The transition to electric trucks has not been without obstacles. UK regulations on vehicle length and weight limit the options available compared with other European markets, while widespread public charging for electric heavy goods vehicles is not expected for at least another year. In response, DFDS is investing in charging infrastructure at its own depots and supporting the Road Haulage Association in lobbying the government for regulatory improvements.
DFDS’s participation in the ZENFreight consortium further demonstrates the value of collaboration. ZENFreight is a UK Government initiative, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, which aims to accelerate zero-emission transport. Working alongside other road transport companies, DFDS is sharing insights and data to help the industry identify efficiencies and support wider adoption of zero-emission transport across the UK.
Looking ahead to 2026
The first year of electric truck operations has focused on mobilisation and laying the foundations. The next phase will concentrate on scaling operations, gathering insights, and maximising the potential of these vehicles for UK supply chains. With continued support from partners, customers, and industry collaborators, DFDS remains at the forefront of driving a sustainable future in UK logistics.
To find out how DFDS can help decarbonise UK supply chains with electric trucks, please contact Daniel Allen at dalle@dfds.com.
