A new case study from the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), Renault Trucks and specialist contract hire provider, Vertellus, has found electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) can already match - and in some cases exceed - diesel performance on local wholesale delivery routes, with up to 95% of short and regional journeys achievable using electric trucks.
However, it highlights that the charging infrastructure - especially beyond built-up areas such as Scotland’s central belt, as well as support with building confidence in route planning and incorporating eHGVs into fleets, remains an area where development is needed.
Facilitated by the SWA, United Wholesale of Scotland (UWS) and Creed Foodservice took part in the trial, operating the vehicles in real-world conditions across multiple seasons on multi-drop food and drink deliveries.
The study found that up to 95% of short and regional journeys are achievable using eHGVs across both operators’ fleets, based on real-world data. In fact, the eHGVs consistently matched or exceeded diesel performance in local multi-drop operations.
Vehicle range
It also showed how vehicle range is often underestimated in practice, with trial vehicles using just 36% of battery capacity on average, indicating the significant headroom to increase utilisation as confidence grows.
What’s more, emissions savings exceeded 50kg of CO₂ per 100 km, equating to 10-13 tonnes annually per vehicle. Also, depot-based charging delivered lower running costs than diesel with UWS reporting costs of around £10-£20 lower per 100 km, while Creed Foodservice estimated an annual saving of £6,630. These figures are based on February 2026 prices.
Driver and customer feedback was largely positive, with confidence growing as experience with the vehicles increased, however charging infrastructure and route-planning remained areas for continued development, though solutions are emerging rapidly across the UK.
Ylva Haglund, head of sustainability and communications at the SWA, said: “Joining the EV Discovery Programme offered both companies an opportunity to accelerate their journey towards net zero by testing eHGVs in real-world operations, while gaining practical insights into electric vehicles in fleet operations.
“The wholesale sector has understandable reasons to be cautious about electrification, but what this trial shows is that those concerns and the reality of electric HGVs are starting to diverge. That should give wholesalers confidence to begin their own transition.”
Steve Rich (left), operations director at Creed Foodservice, added: “The programme has been invaluable in allowing us to explore the real-world capabilities of the eHGV without the significant investment needed to purchase our own vehicle. We hope other wholesalers can take confidence from our positive experience and look to replicate within their own operations.”
Effective performance
Meanwhile, Chris Gallacher, MD of UWS (right), said: “This trial has shown us that electric trucks can perform effectively within our day-to-day delivery operation while also reducing emissions and running costs. The positive response from our drivers and customers has been particularly encouraging and gives us confidence to keep moving forward.
“We’re fully committed to reducing emissions across our business, and introducing electric vehicles is an important part of our long-term sustainability plans. It will also help us support the sustainability ambitions of our suppliers and retail customers.”
The EV Discovery Programme is open to other operators interested in trialling electric HGVs. For more information click here or call 01926 898 400.
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