Since being welcomed into the ZenFreight consortium last year, Gregory Group, is set to receive 14 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) into the fleet, charged by a newly installed infrastructure, further propelling the company towards its net zero by 2038 target.
ZenFreight is part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. It is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The aim of the initiative is to accelerate the shift to zero-emissions HGVs and to build a comprehensive national network of public and depot-based charging installations.
Paul Jefferson, Group Legal and Sustainability Director, said:
“The ZEHID programme is another step that will help us achieve our net zero by 2038 goal.
“It is hugely encouraging that such initiatives are underway because as well as the motivation from logistics companies such as us to drive positive change, we also need the infrastructure and technology to back us. The ZenFreight consortium consists of organisations that are helping make our ambitions a reality and we are excited to be part of such a revolutionary and essential shift in the logistics industry.”
Provided by three different manufacturers, Gregory Group will welcome 14 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), many of which will be charged on a newly installed EV infrastructure. By the Summer, most of the vehicles will be on the road delivering a wide range of goods from bread to packaging. This includes using one of the BEVs for the collection of milk from farms – which will be a UK first.
How the BEV vehicles will be used has been carefully considered and discussed with customers to ensure they are well matched to the work that is required. With each vehicle, feedback will be provided to the consortium, together with trial data including the cost of ownership and performance statistics.
For Gregory Group customers, they also benefit from sustainability reporting, which is developed in-house, to identify the cost to serve and carbon savings. The Group feel this evidence is absolutely vital to effectively support customers on their own sustainability journey.
Angela Butler, Managing Director at Gregory Group said:
“We have always been forward thinking, ensuring we have the tools, technology, and know-how to effectively support our customers now and long into the future. Many of our customers share our ambitious sustainability targets and we have been working in partnership with them to deliver their carbon reduction strategy.
The ZEHID programme is helping to fast forward some of these plans giving our customers the insight needed to make long-term decisions on their carbon reduction strategy. It is yet another positive step in the direction of a net zero logistics industry.”
The consortium has come at a perfect time for Gregory Group. With a sustainability strategy already in place, by working alongside other like-minded organisations, the Group has been able to fast forward its strategy.
Daniel Clay, Director of Fleet & Procurement said:
“We are delighted with the progress being made within the consortium. In addition to helping ourselves, and our customers, make informed decisions about the right vehicles for our future fleets, those of us in the consortium are also able to lean on each other for support. For example, we are currently discussing the option of using each other’s infrastructure to open up more charging opportunities for our drivers.
The ZEHID programme has already accelerated our progress towards net zero by 2038 and I’m looking forward to seeing how far it can take us. By being involved, I also hope we will help others in our sector begin their journey to a more sustainable way of operating.”
