Stagecoach and Gregory Group show new approach to fleet electrification
Gregory Group is using a partnership with Stagecoach to overcome a major barrier to HGV electrification in Scotland, with access to depot-based charging enabling electric trucks to operate on a demanding 320-mile-plus daily route.
The UK independent logistics company has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2038, with electrification of its HGV fleet playing a crucial role in reaching that target.
However, Gregory needed an EV transition strategy capable of supporting tight delivery schedules and long-distance journeys seven days a week without compromising customer service. Reliable charging infrastructure was essential, but suitable facilities for heavy goods vehicles remain limited in some parts of the UK, particularly in northern Scotland, while public charging can also be expensive.
The issue became particularly apparent on a regular route operated by Gregory subsidiary Pollock between Bathgate, near Glasgow, and Inverness. Multiple journeys are made every day, with each return trip covering more than 320 miles.
The electric HGVs could complete the outbound journey comfortably, but finding somewhere suitable to recharge for the return leg presented a significant challenge. There were no local public charging facilities capable of accommodating the arctic lorries used by Gregory.
Gregory therefore approached Stagecoach, which had the only rapid EV charging infrastructure in the area capable of accommodating HGVs.
The solution came through Stagecoach’s Chargd initiative, which enables commercial fleets to use charging infrastructure at its depots when the facilities are not required by buses.
Through the Chargd programme, Gregory can access Stagecoach’s Inverness depot to recharge its electric HGVs before beginning the return journey to Bathgate.
Four HGVs now stop at Stagecoach’s Inverness depot every day of the week. Stagecoach schedules charger availability around Gregory’s route timings, providing the logistics operator with a reliable charging solution without the need to invest in dedicated infrastructure.
The arrangement also provides practical benefits for drivers, who can stretch their legs and use the depot’s facilities and restrooms while their vehicles recharge.
The project has so far delivered reductions of 484.5393 tCO2e. According to Gregory, running the same trucks on diesel would have produced 96% more emissions.
The partnership could also expand, with Gregory exploring further opportunities to work with Stagecoach as the bus operator continues rolling out its Chargd proposition across its UK depot network.
Paul Jefferson, Group Legal & Sustainability Director at Gregory Group, said: “This is the first partnership of this kind for us, and it’s played a key role in helping us on our electrification journey – while also supporting our customers in reducing their Scope 3 emissions too.
“Without a partner like Stagecoach, this project would be incredibly challenging, as EV charging infrastructure in northern Scotland is so sparse, particularly for the likes of arctic lorries. Having the Chargd Programme open to Gregory has really helped our usage of battery electric HGVs in Scotland to flourish, and we are exploring possibilities for expanding our partnership into other regions in the future.”
Mike Smith, Business Development Director at Stagecoach, said: “Chargd is proving popular for fleets seeking convenient and reliable charging solutions, beyond the often-expensive public infrastructure network, where accessibility and availability aren’t always guaranteed.
“As a business, we’re keen to support fleets looking to transition to EVs. Six Chargd facilities are already live throughout the UK, with more in development, as we seek to create a nationwide sustainable, accessible and affordable EV charging solution for UK fleets.”
For Gregory, the partnership demonstrates how shared charging infrastructure could help logistics operators overcome one of the biggest obstacles to electric HGV deployment.
“Without partnerships like Chargd, it can be challenging for businesses such as ours to transition fleets to electric, due to the lead time and administrative overhead of building your own charging infrastructure” concludes Paul from Gregory. “Stagecoach is providing a genuine way forward that saves costs and allows us to expand our EV range.”
