The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) is leading a bid for government funding to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen fuel cell and electric HGVs.
SWA, in partnership with affiliate member Urban Foresight, is inviting interest from across its wholesale and supplier membership to be part of a consortium of fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers submitting a funding bid as part of the Innovate UK and Department for Transport’s latest funding competition.
The competition is open to fleet operators of 40-44 tonne HGVs. It will invest up to £140m in projects as a part of the Zero Emission Road Freight (ZERFT) programme, with the aim to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen fuel cell and electric HGVs.
Some SWA members are currently involved in the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Freight Trial (SHyFT) with Ballard Motive Solutions.
SHyFT is also seeking funding from the competition which would initiate the delivery of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to its members.
SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “These two funding bids represent a fantastic opportunity for SWA members to replace or supplement their 40-44 tonne HGVs with electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The funding will also cover the cost of fuelling infrastructure.
“Project funding must be between £20m and £90m for electric, or between £30m and £140m for a hydrogen project. Funding will cover up to 70% of costs (80% for capital costs, including trucks and infrastructure) with the total fund pot designed to cover a minimum of 25 trucks within at least two operators and with at least two to three fuelling/charging locations.”
No comments yet