Saint-Gobain UK takes next step in zero-carbon logistics with full operational trial of six e-HGVs

Saint-Gobain UK has unveiled its next investment in its zero-carbon logistics delivery programme by unveiling six new fully electric HGVs and ‘back to base’ supercharging infrastructure at its midlands logistics hub in Nottinghamshire.

9^th April, Nottinghamshire: The six new VOLVO e-HGVs will enter into a five-year operational trial as part of a partnership between Saint-Gobain UK and its logistics provider XPO LOGISTICS. From April, the vehicles will operate across the Midlands, delivering light and sustainable construction solutions. Over the trial, the six vehicles are anticipated to save over 3,000 tonnes of CO₂e compared to traditional diesel HGVs*, equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of over 600 UK homes.

To support the extended operational trial, Saint-Gobain UK has entered into a partnership with GRIDSERVE to create a ‘back to base’ supercharging infrastructure of four 350KW chargers at the Saint-Gobain Midlands Logistics Hub in Nottinghamshire. The charging points will charge the e-HGVs to 80% in just 90 minutes and fully charge them in under two hours.

This highly innovative programme will see a ‘real world’ test of ‘zero-exhaust-emission’ electric HGV trucks over a 5-year period, making more than 12,000 customer deliveries to over 50 regular customers for Saint-Gobain UK. Each of the six vehicles will aim to achieve two delivery cycles per vehicle per day across the Midlands.

This operational trial will serve merchant customers and direct construction projects across the Midlands and support the delivery of solutions from Saint-Gobain brand British Gypsum, and a wider range of Saint-Gobain solutions from other Saint-Gobain brands including: Isover, K-Rend and Weber.

The investment from Saint-Gobain UK, and XPO, has been partly supported by funding from the UK Zero Emissions Heavy Goods Vehicles and Infrastructure (ZEHID) programme which was launched by the Government in 2023 to support innovative ‘green’ projects to roll out zero-emission HGV trials.

HGVs alone account for 20% of all transport emissions across the UK underlining the importance of decarbonising heavy freight. Saint-Gobain UK is committed to accelerating reductions in operational and supply-chain emissions, as part of its mission to accelerate the construction sector’s transition to net zero.

DEAN O’SULLIVAN, CEO of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, said: “Trialing six zero-exhaust emission HGVs across the Midlands is another step forward for us and builds on the transformation we have been embarking on to move our fleet to lower-carbon HVO fuel over the last few years”.

“The extended operational trials are part of our wider journey to reduce the impact of our business and ultimately meet our goal to be a net-zero carbon business. We’ll be working closely with customers during this period and our drivers to get their feedback and see how all-electric HGV’s at scale can fit into our logistics service offer.”

ABDI ALI, NATIONAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER AT VOLVO TRUCKS UK & IRELAND, said: ““It is hugely rewarding to see our zero-tailpipe emission solutions supporting forward- thinking companies like Saint-Gobain and XPO Logistics – organisations with a clear vision of their sustainability strategies, who are acting now to drive towards a cleaner and greener future.”

DAN MYERS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SUPPLY CHAIN – EUROPE, XPO LOGISTICS, said: “This is the latest effort in our joint goal of doing business in a responsible way, working towards our shared target of reducing our emissions to zero with Saint-Gobain UK. This initiative moves us significant step closer to "sustainable construction”