John G Russell joins ZENFreight consortium
The ZENFreight consortium, part of the UK government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, has expanded its ranks with the addition of John G Russell (Transport) Ltd, which will pioneer real-world trials of fuel cell (HFCEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The ZENFreight project, which is led by transport optimisation software specialist Dynamon, will see John G Russell Transport deploy three battery electric HGVs from MAN and three hydrogen fuel cell Scania vehicles, which in a 6 by 2 configuration will be the first of their kind to be trialled in the UK.
The Russell Group has committed to achieving net zero by 2040; and the new vehicles will join the transport and logistics provider’s 250-strong fleet.
ZENFreight allows participating fleet operators to directly compare the performance of BEVs with HFCEVs in real-world operation. Russell will also form part of the consortium’s nationwide depot-based electric charging infrastructure network. In addition, a hydrogen storage and filling station will be installed at its Coatbridge depot near Glasgow.
The consortium says that, by sharing the complex depot charging infrastructure required for both alternative fuel types, members will accelerate adoption and utilisation.
Russell, which operates 14 depots across the country, joins ZENFreight alongside fellow fleet members Gregory Distribution, Maritime Transport and DFDS, academic partner Imperial College London, and truck manufacturers DAF Trucks, Daimler Trucks, Scania, and Volvo Trucks.
All vehicles involved in ZENFreight are set to be on the road by March 2026, with most sites going live during 2025. They will operate for five years as part of the ZEHID demonstration phase, their performance benchmarked against diesel equivalents, while data and insights on the business case for zero-emission vehicle deployment are collected.
Director Graham Russell said: “As latecomers to the project Russell has taken up the challenge to support the Department for Transport project as it is in line with the company’s goals. It has taken a great effort by our team led by group fleet engineer Stephen Madden to put us in the position where we are now proud to be announced as having joined ZENFreight and build on the great work already undertaken by our consortium colleagues.
“Our group is committed to sustainable logistics, using innovation and cutting-edge technology to reduce our environmental impact. As a key player in our customers’ supply chains, we take this responsibility seriously.
“The ZEHID demonstration project is a major step forward, allowing us to trial both electric and hydrogen technologies for heavy duty transport in real world operation, an exciting opportunity to build confidence in the future of zero emission freight, and we are delighted to be at the forefront, and play our part in driving the transition to cleaner, greener logistics.”
Angus Webb, CEO at Dynamon, added: “We warmly welcome Russell to the consortium, as they integrate both technologies into their fleet for real world trials.
“With a nationwide fleet and a seamlessly connected road and rail network, Russell delivers high-standard logistics solutions across the FMCG sector and beyond with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, making them the ideal fleet to demonstrate zero-emission vehicles.”
