EV Discovery Programme proves electric HGVs can match diesel
Electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) can already match, and in some cases outperform, diesel trucks on local wholesale delivery routes, according to a new case study from the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), Renault Trucks and specialist contract hire provider Vertellus.
The findings suggest that up to 95% of short and regional journeys could be completed using electric HGVs, although charging infrastructure, particularly beyond Scotland’s central belt, remains a barrier to wider adoption.
The study also highlights the importance of giving operators greater confidence in route planning and understanding how eHGVs can be integrated into existing fleets.
The findings come from the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme, which enables wholesalers to lease 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D electric HGVs for 12 months at a cost comparable with equivalent diesel vehicles.
Facilitated by the SWA, two wholesalers, United Wholesale (Scotland) and Creed Foodservice, participated in the programme, operating the electric trucks in real-world conditions across multiple seasons on multi-drop food and drink delivery routes.
Electric HGV performance challenges expectations
Real-world data from both fleets showed that up to 95% of short and regional journeys could be completed using eHGVs. The vehicles consistently matched or exceeded diesel performance on local multi-drop operations.
The trial also found that electric truck range is often underestimated. The vehicles used just 36% of their available battery capacity on average, suggesting considerable potential to increase utilisation as operators gain experience and confidence with the technology.
The environmental benefits were also significant, with emissions savings exceeding 50kg of CO₂ per 100km. This equates to annual savings of between 10 and 13 tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle.
Depot-based charging also delivered lower running costs than diesel. United Wholesale (Scotland) reported savings of around £10-£20 per 100km, while Creed Foodservice calculated an annual saving of £6,630. These figures are based on February 2026 prices and could change as energy and fuel markets remain volatile.
Driver and customer feedback was largely positive, with confidence in the vehicles increasing as drivers gained more experience.
However, charging infrastructure and route planning remain areas where further development is required. This is particularly relevant for operators working outside densely populated areas, although new charging solutions are being developed rapidly across the UK.
Electric HGVs offer wholesalers a practical route to net zero
Transport-related emissions are currently the largest source of Scope 1 operational emissions for the wholesale sector. SWA research shows that HGV fuel use accounts for 63.7% of the sector’s emissions in Scotland.
The EV Discovery Programme was therefore designed to provide wholesalers with practical, evidence-based experience of electric HGVs without requiring them to make a significant upfront investment.
Ylva Haglund, Head of Sustainability and Communications at the Scottish Wholesale Association, 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, Managing Director at Vertellus, 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.”
Renault Trucks E-Tech D proves its potential
Roger Clarke, Head of Electromobility and Advanced Customer Solutions at Renault Trucks UK, 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.”
For operators considering electrification, the ability to trial an eHGV before committing to a purchase could be particularly valuable. Understanding actual energy consumption, route suitability, charging requirements and driver acceptance can help fleets make investment decisions based on operational evidence rather than assumptions.
Steve Rich, Operations Director at Creed Foodservice, 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.”
Chris Gallacher, Managing Director of United Wholesale (Scotland), 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.
“I would like to thank the entire team at United Wholesale (Scotland), together with the Scottish Wholesale Association, Renault Trucks UK, Vertellus and all our external partners for their support and hard work throughout this journey. 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 is available from Vertellus.
