On 19 October 2023, the Department for Transport set out how its £200m pledge to support its Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator Programme (ZERFD) will be taken forward.
We (RHA) welcome this long-awaited announcement from government and see the trials as a significant step in helping our industry on its decarbonisation journey.
We’re conscious that our members will want to know more about the trials and what they mean for the future of our industry. We have therefore compiled some FAQs which we will routinely update as new information emerges.
What is the ZERFD Programme?
The Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator (ZERFD) Programme is the £200m investment by the Department of Transport to help the logistics sector drive down CO2 emissions from the HGV fleet. It forms part of the long-term agenda to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
What do the trials set out to achieve?
The aim of ZERFD is to support the introduction of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks onto our roads. The Government believes an effective way to do this is via “demonstrators” or trials. The idea is that these vehicles are introduced and tested in real-world conditions so that everyone can be assured they perform as intended.
Through ZERFD, data will be routinely published on how these vehicles perform. In turn, this will allow you to inform your plans to bring these vehicles into your fleets in due course.
Will ZERFD affect me?
In time, yes.
ZERFD is a medium-term programme lasting at least seven years to trial electric and hydrogen powered goods vehicles. Even if you are not directly participating in the trial, you should keep abreast of how it develops and any outcomes that arise from it.
Outcomes from ZERFD will be used by many different stakeholders to inform their Net Zero plans. For example, we can expect the UK Government to use it to inform its policies on how to manage the transition away from diesel HGVs. This is so that the UK can meet its Net Zero targets set by Parliament.
Bear in mind that the Government has also set dates when it plans to stop the sale of new diesel HGVs - these are 2035 for HGVs weighing up to 26 tonnes and 2040 for all HGVs. ZERFD will clearly inform whether these dates are feasible – however, we should not assume that future Governments will change these dates.
We therefore advise that you should start future-proofing your businesses now so that you can start planning how to bring “zero emission” vehicles into your fleets in due course.
What will the trial look like?
Through ZERFD, the Government’s aim is to introduce 370 “zero emission” trucks on to our roads and provide up to 60 refuelling stations. With this provision in place, the trucks can then be tested in UK-specific conditions to ensure they perform as required.
Who will be involved in the trial?
The Government has awarded funding to four consortia as follows:
- Gridserve: who, via their Project Electric Freightway, will trial up to 140 battery electric HGVs provided by DAF and Volvo alongside up to 220 chargers – 70% of which will be open-access;
- Project Zero Emission North (ZEN) Freight: who will trail up to 70 battery electric and 30 hydrogen fuel cell HGVs. Eddie Stobart and Royal Mail are two operators who so far are confirmed to be participating in this trial;
- Voltempo: who, via their eFREIGHT 2030 project, will demonstrate up to 100 battery electric HGVs in partnership with Renault Trucks, Scania and DAF. Marks and Spencer and Menzies Distribution are two operators who so far are confirmed to participating in this trial;
- Hydrogen Aggregated Logistics (HyHAUL): led by Protium will trial around 30 hydrogen fuel cell HGVs on the M4 motorway. One fixed hydrogen refuelling station will be provided alongside mobile refuelling in two other locations.
When are the trials starting?
Real-world testing of the vehicles are due to start from 2025.
How long is the programme?
We understand that ZERFD has an initial seven-year timeframe. The first two years will be spent by the consortia planning and procuring the necessary vehicles and infrastructure. The real-world trials will then take place over the subsequent five years.
Who’s overseeing the trials?
Innovate UK, on behalf of the Department of Transport.
When can we expect to see data from the trials?
If the trial remains on time, the earliest realistic date we can start seeing data is from 2026.
Is ZERFD just for big fleets?
No. The Government is keen to ensure that SME operators are also included in ZERFD. The RHA is currently seeking clarity from DfT and the successful consortia as to how SMEs can become more involved.
Can I get involved in ZERFD?
We are seeking clarity from DfT and the successful consortia on how operators including SMEs can become more involved. As soon as more information becomes available, we will inform members.
Is there a similar programme planned for coaches?
Currently, there is no ZERFD-equivalent for coaches - however, the Government recognises the operational similarities between HGVs and coaches. Both Ministers and ourselves therefore expect the learning from ZERFD to apply to coaches too, and we will ensure this is kept permanently on the Government’s radar.
How is the RHA involved in the trials?
Whilst ZERFD was being developed, the RHA kept the Government informed of our members’ needs through our normal engagement channels, such as the Freight Council and our routine meetings with Ministers and officials.
Now that ZERFD is underway, we are asking the Government to set up a specific Advisory Group consisting of relevant industry stakeholders to include the RHA. This is so that the Advisory Group can steer the direction of ZERFD based on direct real-world feedback from our membership.
How will the RHA’s Net Zero Forum support the trials?
Our Net Zero Forum will provide formal direct real-world feedback to the Government to inform how ZERFD progresses. This feedback is based on the work we have identified as essential to make HGV and coach decarbonisation a reality, and breaks down as follows:
- Infrastructure investment
- Workforce upskilling
- Vehicle performance
- Cost reduction
- Supporting industry leaders through the coming technological, operational and regulatory change
What is the RHA’s view on ZERFD?
We support Net Zero and are determined to drive the pragmatic action needed to deliver realistic outcomes. We therefore welcome ZERFD as a practical way to ensure that, in time, operators can make the right investment choices to start reducing CO2 emissions from their vehicle fleets.
What about low carbon fuels and the role of hydrogen combustion?
Whilst we understand the aim to invest in pure “zero tailpipe emission” vehicles such as those powered by battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells, we are clear that “near-zero emission” fuels such as HVO, gas trucks and hydrogen combustion must also be part of the fuels mix. This is to ensure those parts of the economy serviced by hard-to-decarbonise operations can continue to function, should pure “zero emission” solutions not be found in time.
We will continue to make the case to Government that these fuels are recognised as a legitimate part of the transition to Net Zero.
Whilst ZERFD is underway, what can I do now to start preparing my business to reduce emissions?
There are practical steps you can take now to reduce emissions from your business. For further information and guidance, you may wish to look at the following trusted third-party websites:
- To check the availability of “zero emission” HGVs and coaches on the market, see:
https://www.freightcarbonzero.com/manufacturers