How Wincanton is Cutting Carbon with 24 Electric HGVs
Wincanton brings 24 new electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) into service this summer, strengthening its commitment to cutting carbon emissions across the UK’s supply chain.
The British logistics firm, which manages more than 6,700 vehicles and operates nearly 17.4 million square feet of warehouse space, focuses this move on long-term sustainability as it aims for net zero emissions by 2040.
The company, which delivers storage, handling and distribution services for leading names in food, retail, ecommerce and infrastructure, is adding these new electric trucks as part of a multimillion-dollar investment. They will be supplied by DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks - and are capable of operating at over 40 tonnes.
Once in use, the trucks are expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 2,400 tonnes.
Carl Hanson, Managing Director of Transport at Wincanton, calls the introduction “a major step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable supply chain,” noting that it also marks a chance to gather practical insight for future planning.
“We can’t wait to see the new trucks in action,” he says.
Infrastructure builds the path to decarbonisation
To support the rollout, Wincanton is installing charging stations at key depots. These include Greenford in West London, Portbury, its Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow and The WEB in Northamptonshire.
The infrastructure has been developed in partnership with Voltempo and Gridserve, enabling the company to fully integrate these EVs into everyday operations.
While the shift to low-emission freight may be a gradual one, Carl says logistics firms can already begin making real improvements: "Low-emission vehicles like these are undoubtedly the future of logistics, but widespread adoption is still years away.
"In the meantime, businesses can act now by using today’s technology to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlocking greener supply chains hinges on collaboration and optimisation.”
Wincanton has already begun using electric vans for IKEA home deliveries and has converted 85% of its Screwfix fleet to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative made from waste fats and vegetable oils. These efforts form part of a broader push to reduce emissions across all vehicle classes.
Testing new tech through government-backed schemes
This rollout is not just about new trucks -- it is part of Wincanton’s involvement in two government-backed schemes, the Electric Freightway and eFREIGHT 2030. Both sit under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, led by the Department for Transport and supported by Innovate UK.
“It’s great to see Wincanton take delivery of 24 electric HGVs,” says Simon Buckley, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Zero Emission Mobility at Innovate UK.
“We look forward to the real-world demonstrations and collaboration as part of Project Electric Freightway eFREIGHT 2030, under the wider ZEHID programme... These initiatives will generate valuable insights into the future of zero-emission freight in the HGV sector.”
Wincanton is using these programmes to test and learn from the transition, which could then be scaled up based on results from live operations. These insights are expected to improve efficiencies and lower carbon output across logistics networks.
Digital tools are also helping. The Group’s EyeQ platform allows customers to improve visibility and decision-making across their supply chain. EyeQ blends data, people and process to optimise fleet operations, which can cut emissions by up to 10%. This focus on digital solutions continues to play a part in Wincanton’s strategy.
By 2021, Wincanton had become the first UK home delivery firm to offer a carbon neutral service. In its 2024 financial year, it reduced its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 18%, thanks to increased use of renewable fuels, electrified transport and smarter fleet management through EyeQ.
Wincanton’s focus is now on growing a more efficient and cleaner supply chain through real-world trials, fleet upgrades and digital support.
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