Infrastructure specialists Aegis Energy is offering discounts on electric charging rates to operators at the forefront of the transition to clean transport.
The company building the UK’s first network of multi-energy refuelling hubs for commercial vehicles said it wanted to support the early adopters to clean energy.
Through its ‘Aegis Trailblazers’ scheme it will provide operators with decarbonisation advice, financial incentives and a voice in where and how its infrastructure is developed.
It said members would join a growing community of businesses responding to increasing consumer and regulatory demand for decarbonisation, getting a head start on the transition and their competitors, whilst also helping set the pace for the rest of the industry.
Aegis pointed out that commercial vehicles contributed 10% of the UK’s total emissions, but a lack of tailored clean refuelling infrastructure had been a significant barrier to fleet decarbonisation.
It said it was therefore addressing this challenge with plans to open five public-access multi-energy hubs by the end of 2027 and 30 by the end of the decade.
The first company announced to join the Aegis Trailblazers is Wordsworth Excavations. The South Yorkshire-based earthworks contractor has signed up to use Aegis Energy hubs to charge its growing fleet of electric HGVs.
It currently has two Volvo electric HGVs in operation and was exploring how it could expand electrifying more of its fleet in response to rising demand from customers in the construction sector.
Kasia Chodurek, director of business development at Aegis Energy, said: “If we look at the history of the logistics industry, trailblazers have always played an important role in propelling it forward – from the earliest adopters of telematics to the first fleets to embrace automation.
“Today, we’re at another inflexion point. We need bold operators excited about leading the way in the transition to zero-emission transport.
“The Aegis Trailblazers will recognise and support those leading the charge, whilst making it easier for others to take the first step in decarbonising their fleet.
“Companies like Wordsworth Excavations aren’t just keeping pace, they’re helping to set it, and by acting early, they’re taking control of their transition, building in the time and flexibility to do it on their terms.”
Craig Lofthouse, Wordsworth Excavations plant manager, said: “Adding electric HGVs to our fleet has been a source of great excitement for our customers and has led to conversations with construction businesses who are looking for more sustainable partnerships.
“This is clearly the direction of travel for the industry, and we want to be at the forefront of it, but ambition only gets you so far without the right infrastructure.”
He added: “It’s refreshing to see Aegis Energy acting now and investing in the future, building clean refuelling hubs that are fit for our needs and located along major transport corridors.
“The support and influence that comes with being an Aegis Trailblazer will help us expand our electric HGV fleet and explore decarbonising our vans, too.”
Aegis will be present at the Road Transport Expo at NAEC Stoneleigh between 24-26 June.
