A pathway for how to deliver zero-emission trucks on Scotland’s roads was launched today (19 March). The HGV Decarbonisation Pathway was presented by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, at the Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference.
The launch represents 18 months of hard work and learnings gathered by the Zero Emission Truck Taskforce, which includes the BVRLA. The group’s task was to work collaboratively across the haulage, manufacturing, energy, government, union, and finance sectors to understand and overcome the barriers to zero-emission HGVs in Scotland.
The scale of the challenge was evident. Road haulage is a complex and highly competitive sector with multiple existing pressures, differing operational needs and a wide variety of business models.
The Pathway is based around the four key challenges posed by a move to zero-emission trucks:
- Energy infrastructure
- Financial models
- Confidence in technological and commercial change
- Workforce skills.
The Taskforce collectively came to three important conclusions which must shape all further action:
- Working collaboratively is essential
- Where the technology is proven and commercially viable, haulage, energy and finance businesses should be transitioning now
- Action is needed to enable smaller fleet operators to collaborate, reducing risk and opening up opportunities.
HGV Decarbonisation - Pathway for Scotland - Zero Emission Truck Taskforce | Transport Scotland
