Gregory Group is about to boost its fleet with 14 new battery electric vehicles (BEV) which will be charged by a newly installed infrastructure, as part of the company’s wider drive to reach net zero by 2038.
The group is taking part in the UK government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, as a member of the ZenFreight Group.
Funded by the DfT and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the programme aims to accelerate the industry’s shift to zero-emission HGVs and to build a comprehensive national network of public and depot-based charging installations.
Paul Jefferson, Gregory Group legal and sustainability director, said: “The ZEHID programme is another step that will help us achieve our net zero by 2038 goal.
“It is hugely encouraging that such initiatives are underway because as well as the motivation from logistics companies such as us to drive positive change, we also need the infrastructure and technology to back us.
“The ZenFreight consortium consists of organisations that are helping make our ambitions a reality and we are excited to be part of such a revolutionary and essential shift in the logistics industry.”
The 14 vehicles are provided by three different manufacturers with most being charged on a newly installed EV infrastructure.
By this summer, most of the vehicles will be on the road delivering a range of goods from bread to packaging, with one of the BEVs used for the collection of milk from farms – which will be a UK first.
The group said it has carefully considered and discussed with customers how the BEV vehicles will be used, to ensure they are well matched to the work that is required.
With each vehicle, feedback will be provided to the consortium, together with trial data including the cost of ownership and performance statistics.
Gregory Group customers will also benefit from sustainability reporting, which is developed in-house, to identify the cost to serve and carbon savings.
The group said it believes this evidence is absolutely vital to effectively support customers on their own sustainability journey.
Angela Butler, Gregory Group MD, said: “We have always been forward thinking, ensuring we have the tools, technology, and know-how to effectively support our customers now and long into the future.
“Many of our customers share our ambitious sustainability targets and we have been working in partnership with them to deliver their carbon reduction strategy.
“The ZEHID programme is helping to fast forward some of these plans giving our customers the insight needed to make long-term decisions on their carbon reduction strategy.
“It is yet another positive step in the direction of a net zero logistics industry.”
The consortium allows Gregory Group to work alongside other like-minded organisations, enabling it to fast forward its sustainability strategy.
Daniel Clay, fleet and procurement director, said: “We are delighted with the progress being made within the consortium.
“In addition to helping ourselves, and our customers, make informed decisions about the right vehicles for our future fleets, those of us in the consortium are also able to lean on each other for support.
“For example, we are currently discussing the option of using each other’s infrastructure to open up more charging opportunities for our drivers.
The ZEHID programme has already accelerated our progress towards net zero by 2038 and I’m looking forward to seeing how far it can take us.
“By being involved, I also hope we will help others in our sector begin their journey to a more sustainable way of operating.”
Gregory Group is one of the largest privately owned logistics companies in the UK with 50 sites, 22 warehouses and a fleet of around 1,300 vehicles.
The group is made up of five subsidiaries - Gregory Distribution, Hayton Coulthard, Pollock, Craib and John Mitchell (Grangemouth).
