Family-run IJ McGill Transport has become the latest company to join the government’s eFREIGHT 2030 consortium and operate electric lorries in order to help shape the future of zero emission HGVs.
The haulier will add three DAF electric trucks to its fleet of around 130 vehicles and install charging infrastructure at three of its five depots.
The lorries will be used for both daytime distribution and overnight trunk routes to maximise utilisation while taking advantage of charging opportunities during vehicle downtime.
Heather Brown, IJ McGill operations director, said: “Joining the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium represents an exciting step in our sustainability journey.
“As a family business that’s always looked towards the future, introducing electric vehicles allows us to reduce our environmental impact while future-proofing our operations.
“The consortium’s financial support and shared learning opportunities make this transition more accessible for a company of our size.”
As part of the consortium, IJ McGill Transport will benefit from the shared knowledge and experience of other consortium members who are already operating electric HGVs, while contributing data from an SME back to the programme over the five-year project to help shape the future of zero-emission freight transport.
The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium is part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (ZEHID), funded by the department for transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.
Existing members include Wincanton, Maritime Transport, Tarmac and Welch’s Transport.
