Wholesalers prove electric HGVs can match diesel

However, it also highlights that charging infrastructure and support with building confidence in route planning and incorporating eHGVs into fleets, remains an area where development is needed.

The study was conducted by the Scottish Wholesale Association, Renault Trucks and specialist contract hire provider Vertellus.

The findings come from the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme, which allows wholesalers to lease 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D electric HGVs for 12 months at a cost comparable to diesel equivalents. 

Facilitated by SWA, United Wholesale (Scotland) and Creed Foodservice took part in the trial, operating the vehicles in real-world conditions across multiple seasons on multi-drop food and drink delivery routes.

The trial revealed that:

• Up to 95% of short and regional journeys are achievable using eHGVs across both operators’ fleets, based on real-world data. 
• The eHGVs consistently matched or exceeded diesel performance in local multi-drop operations.
•  Vehicle range is often underestimated in practice: trial vehicles used just 36% of battery capacity on average, indicating significant headroom to increase utilisation as confidence grows.
•  Emissions savings exceeded 50 kg of CO₂ per 100 km, equating to 10-13 tonnes annually per vehicle.
• Depot-based charging delivered lower running costs than diesel – UWS reported costs around £10-£20 lower per 100 km, while Creed Foodservice estimated an annual saving of £6,630, based on February 2026 prices.The cost savings are likely to be even greater following recent volatility in global energy markets driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East).
• Driver and customer feedback was largely positive, with confidence growing as experience with the vehicles increased.
• Charging infrastructure and route-planning remain areas for continued development, though solutions are emerging rapidly across the UK.

 Meanwhile, transport-related emissions remain the largest source of Scope 1 (operational) emissions for the wholesale sector, with SWA research showing that HGV fuel use accounts for 63.7% of the sector’s emissions in Scotland.

The trial was designed to give wholesalers practical, evidence-based insight into how electrification could support their decarbonisation goals.

Ylva Haglund, Scottish Wholesale Association head of sustainability and communications, said: “Joining the EV Discovery Programme offered both companies an opportunity to accelerate their journey towards net zero by testing eHGVs in real-world operations, while gaining practical insights into electric vehicles in fleet operations.

 “The wholesale sector has understandable reasons to be cautious about electrification – tight schedules, thin margins, and no room for deliveries to fail.

 “What this trial shows is that those concerns and the reality of electric HGVs are starting to diverge. That should give wholesalers confidence to begin their own transition.”

Rhian Burrell, Vertellus MD, said: “The findings from UWS and Creed Foodservice underline the value of the EV Discovery Programme of trialling electric trucks in real-world operations before making longer-term decisions.

“Both wholesalers now have a much clearer understanding of where electric fits in their fleet and how much of their operation could make the switch today. 

“Sharing these learnings more widely through the case study gives wholesalers and other fleets looking at electric greater confidence in what’s possible, and valuable insights into where it could work for them.” 

At Renault Trucks UK, Roger Clarke, head of electromobility and advanced customer solutions, said: “These results demonstrate how well the Renault Trucks E-Tech D is suited to demanding wholesale operations. Urban and regional routes are a real sweet spot for electric trucks and a practical place to start. 

“Trialling through the EV Discovery Programme puts that capability to the test in real-world operation, giving businesses the data, insights and experience to understand what works for their fleet and the confidence to take the next step.”

Steve Rich, Creed Foodservice operations director, commented: “The EV Discovery Programme has been invaluable in allowing us to explore the real-world capabilities of the eHGV without the significant investment that would be needed to purchase our own vehicle.

“We hope other wholesalers can take confidence from our positive experience and look to replicate within their own operations.” 

Meanwhile, Chris Gallacher, Wholesale (Scotland) managing director, said: “This trial has shown us that electric trucks can perform effectively within our day-to-day delivery operation while also reducing emissions and running costs.

“The positive response from our drivers and customers has been particularly encouraging and gives us confidence to keep moving forward. 

“We are fully committed to reducing emissions across our business, and introducing electric vehicles is an important part of our long-term sustainability plans.

“It will also help us support the sustainability ambitions of our suppliers and retail customers. 

He added: “There is still more to do, but this experience has shown that meaningful change is both possible and practical.” 

The EV Discovery Programme is open to other operators interested in trialling electric HGVs. More information can be found here.