Accelerating the transition to Electric HGVs in Scotland
A bold and tailored approach to transitioning Scotland's road freight sector, built off of the success of eFREIGHT 2030
SCALE (Scottish Charging Accelerated Logistics Electrification) is a bold, multi-year initiative designed to accelerate the transition of Scotland’s road freight sector from diesel to electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs). Which, if approved, is expected to start in late 2026.
By uniting fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, financiers, charge point operators, and data specialists, SCALE will establish the evidence base, financial models, and infrastructure plans needed to deliver widescale electrification of HGV fleets across Scotland.
The programme builds on the success of eFREIGHT 2030, expanding its reach into Scotland and focusing on the development of sustainable, commercial and operational models for electric freight.
Through collaboration, innovation, and data-led planning, SCALE will enable Scotland to lead the UK in the decarbonisation of heavy freight – a critical step toward achieving net zero transport emissions.
SCALE’s objectives:
- Support operators and financiers in investing in HGV decarbonisation.
- Create shared learnings to guide operators in the transition process.
- Develop funding models that move the sector toward commercial, sustainable financing.
- Build an evidence base for decarbonisation utilising a ten year plan.
- Establish shared strategic understanding with Transport Scotland and key industry bodies.
- These objectives are underpinned by practical deployment, financial innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Consortium
Led by Voltempo, SCALE will establish a diverse consortium of multiple fleet operators from a variety of sectors and aiming to ensure real-world operational diversity.
Workshops
A programme of in-person and online workshop sessions to review progress, share learnings, and develop best-practice frameworks for electric HGV operations across Scotland.
Trial Design & Modelling
Working with partners SCALE will guide the design of bespoke trial plans with measurable success criteria. Generating data to inform future infrastructure roll-out and energy grid planning.
Finance Strategy
Develop robust business and investment models to attract private capital toward vehicles and infrastructure. Bridging the funding gap towards commercial sustainability.
Engagement
Operators will help define trial variables to enable real-world outcomes. Their data will be used to plan the national roll-out of charging infrastructure and to inform grid investment.
Governance
A steering group will oversee the programme, with cross-organisation representation to ensure strong governance, transparency, and industry alignment.
Long-term impact:
- Build a multi-sector, SME-focused vehicle and infrastructure network.
- Map Scotland's HGV decarbonisation pathway using real-world operational data.
- Develop finance models that accelerate electric HGV and infrastructure uptake.
- Enable informed grid investment and charging hub development.
- Support innovation, including diesel repowering and range-extending battery trailers.
