One year of electric trucks in the UK: Partnerships, progress, and the road ahead
In October 2024, DFDS gathered leaders from across the UK transport and logistics industry to launch their electric trucks. Bringing experience from launches across Europe, DFDS energised the room to work together and provide leadership through partnership.
Twelve months later, and with more electric trucks on the road, data being shared, and charging infrastructure built – DFDS and its partners have taken important steps to electrifying UK road freight.
Taking action on charging infrastructure
At the end of 2025, DFDS’ UK fleet will have ten electric trucks in operation. To support this rollout, and with the help of our charging infrastructure partner Envevo, we have built charging stations at DFDS depots in Ballymena, Grimsby, Sandhills (Liverpool), and Simonswood (Liverpool).
A further two sites in Killingholme and Peterborough have charging infrastructure under construction. And with a further project due to start soon in Shetland, we will end the year with charging infrastructure at seven DFDS depots in the UK.
These investments provide the backbone for future growth while bridging the gap left by the lack of a national HGV charging network.
Electrifying a variety of supply chains
Key partnerships have underpinned our progress and proven the ability of electric trucks to transport a variety of freight. Our electric trucks are used by Volvo Trucks to take components from a supplier factory in Bradford to the port in Immingham. Hypnos Beds will add a third electric truck to their fleet before the end of 2025. While e-commerce giant, Amazon, major supermarket, Iceland, and Myton Food Group (a manufacturing company owned by Morrisons), all have dedicated electric trucks operating in their respective supply chains.
“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 has not been without obstacles. UK regulations around length and weight of electric trucks restrict the options available compared with other European markets. While widespread public charging for eHGVs is not expected to be available for another year. In response, we are building charging infrastructure at our own depots. And we are supporting the Road Haulage Association in lobbying the government for regulatory improvements.
DFDS’s involvement in the ZENFreight consortium is further proof of the power of collaboration. ZENFreight is a UK Government initiative to accelerate zero-emission freight, funded by the Department for Transport, and delivered in partnership by Innovate UK. DFDS, working alongside other fleet operators, is sharing learnings and data that will help the industry identify efficiencies that will accelerate wider adoption of zero-emission transport in the UK.
Looking ahead to 2026
The first year of electric truck operations has been about mobilisation and building foundations. The next phase will focus on scaling, learning, and maximising the potential of these vehicles for UK supply chains. With the continued support of partners, customers and industry collaborators, DFDS remains at the forefront of driving a sustainable future in UK logistics.
To learn more about how DFDS can decarbonise your UK supply chain with electric trucks, please contact Daniel Allen at dalle@dfds.com.
