Scotland is on the brink of a transformative shift in its road freight sector, with truck stops, fleet depots, lorry parks, and ports poised to play a pivotal role in helping operators transition to all-electric fleets.
A recent report from Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sustainable Road Freight reveals that installing charging points for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across these facilities is crucial to supporting this transition.
The report, Towards Zero Emission HGV Infrastructure in Scotland, identifies a pressing need for the deployment of charging points at fleet depots and along key freight corridors, including the A9, A90, and M74.
Additionally, hydrogen trucks equipped with fuel cells will require dedicated refuelling infrastructure along these same routes. Commissioned by Transport Scotland, the national transport agency, this research forms part of the HGV Decarbonisation Pathway, a roadmap to help Scotland’s heavy goods vehicle industry transition to zero-emission trucks.
A Call to Action for Strategic Investment
The findings offer clear guidance to private charging point operators and electrical distribution networks, pointing to the areas where focused investment could yield the greatest improvements.
As Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, noted: “This research provides crucial insight into where investment in infrastructure will be most impactful in supporting the rollout of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles.”
By pinpointing strategic locations along key freight routes, the report signals where efforts should be concentrated to deliver the necessary charging infrastructure.
For example, the A9 between Stirling and Inverness, the A90 between Perth and Aberdeen, and the M74 between Glasgow and Carlisle are highlighted as “critical corridors for freight.”
The study identifies several specific “hot spot” locations for electric truck charging points, including Dalwhinnie in the Highlands, Ballinluig in Perth and Kinross, Stracathro in Angus, Abington in South Lanarkshire, and Annandale Water in Dumfries and Galloway.
Optimising Existing Facilities for Charging Points
One of the key recommendations from the report is to utilise existing infrastructure, such as truck stops, lorry parks, ports, and transport hubs, as locations for electric vehicle charging points.
Where possible, these facilities would be enhanced with rapid chargers and parking spaces to accommodate HGVs.
However, upgrading electrical substations in certain areas will also be necessary to cope with the increased demand for vehicle charging, especially during peak periods. “Critical” substation locations include Milnathort in Perth and Kinross, Inchbare in Angus, Symington in South Lanarkshire, Kirkwall in Orkney, and Ullapool in the Highlands.
According to Professor Phil Greening, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight at Heriot-Watt University, “Electric trucks are already operating on our roads, and most short-haul freight deliveries can be completed without additional charging stops. But for long-haul routes across Scotland, we need charging points at depots and along the most heavily used freight corridors.”
Hydrogen as a Complementary Fuel Source
While the focus is predominantly on battery-operated electric trucks, the report also explores the role of hydrogen fuel in the future of zero-emission freight transport. Using advanced computer modelling, researchers analysed the same routes as if all fleets were hydrogen-powered.
Although hydrogen is currently more expensive than electricity, the modelling shows that hydrogen refuelling stations would see significant usage along the A90 between Perth and Aberdeen and the M74 between Glasgow and Carlisle. Other potential sites for hydrogen refuelling include Kinross, Dalwhinnie, Annandale Water, and Clydebank.
Interestingly, lighter hydrogen refuelling demand was predicted for the A9, likely reflecting the geographical distribution of freight fleets included in the data. The central belt of Scotland also showed some potential for hydrogen refuelling stations, though not to the same extent as other areas.
Data-Driven Solutions for Scotland’s Freight Network
The research team utilised a combination of real-world data and computer simulations to model the impact of zero-emission HGVs on Scotland’s freight infrastructure.
Over 80,000 truck journeys were analysed using the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight’s proprietary modelling and simulation tools. This data-driven approach allowed researchers to map out where charging and refuelling stations would be most effective, providing a blueprint for scaling up Scotland’s charging infrastructure.
However, the researchers emphasise that more journey data is needed from heavy goods vehicle operators to refine this analysis and continue building a comprehensive picture of Scotland’s freight charging needs. In particular, remote regions with limited existing infrastructure, such as the A9 north of Invergordon and Shetland, require further investigation.
Stakeholders have also suggested additional routes for consideration, including the A82 and A83 in Argyll and Bute, important for timber and aquaculture transport, as well as access to the Western Isles. The A77 leading to Cairnryan in Stranraer is another route with potential gaps in charging infrastructure that require further modelling.
Looking to the Future
The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight plans to publish an updated report in 2025, which will build on the data gathered so far and explore additional opportunities for developing Scotland’s charging and refuelling infrastructure for zero-emission HGVs. This continued research will play a vital role in guiding investment and ensuring that Scotland’s road freight network is equipped to meet the demands of an all-electric future.
Ultimately, the project offers a clear pathway for using data to identify the critical infrastructure required to support Scotland’s ambitious HGV decarbonisation goals. By working together with private charge point operators, electrical distribution networks, and freight operators, Scotland can lead the way in creating a sustainable, zero-emission freight network.
With the right investments and infrastructure in place, Scotland’s road freight sector is well-positioned to transition to an all-electric future, ensuring cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, and a more sustainable transport system for generations to come.