Middlesbrough-based logistics firm AV Dawson Transport has successfully completed a major trial of a fully electric Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), marking a significant milestone in its journey to net zero and offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable freight.
In partnership with e-fleet solutions specialist VEV, the company piloted a 42-tonne electric HGV across multiple customer routes.
Over the course of 42 journeys and 1,800 miles, the vehicle achieved an emissions reduction of 2.3 tonnes — all within just 10 days.
Paul Scott, Head of Operations at AV Dawson Transport, described the trial as a proud achievement: “To be one of the few businesses in the UK to trial this fully electric truck is something we are hugely proud of.
"We know we need to get ahead of the curve and think innovatively in how we tackle emissions, not just for ourselves but in partnership with our customers.”
The trial forms part of a wider push across the AV Dawson Group — which includes the Port of Middlesbrough — to cut emissions from its operations.
Road haulage currently accounts for over 80% of the group’s direct carbon emissions. Transitioning away from diesel could result in a reduction of more than 90% in emissions from the transport arm of the business.
According to Jon Booth, Head of Sustainability at AV Dawson: “We quickly realised that our direct emissions are our customers’ Scope 3 emissions, so we had the opportunity to help them hit their own net zero goals.
"The electric HGV trial has been an important step forward in this and the results look promising.”
Scope 3 emissions, often the most challenging for businesses to reduce, refer to indirect emissions across a company’s wider supply chain.
By cutting emissions from haulage operations, AV Dawson is helping major customers — including British Steel — lower their overall carbon footprint.
Gregg Smith, External Logistics Director at British Steel, commented: “Sustainability and reducing emissions is high on our agenda when selecting logistics partners, so we’re delighted to have played a small part in this successful electric vehicle trial.”
Transport remains one of the UK’s highest-emitting sectors, responsible for roughly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
In the North East, HGVs account for around 40% of transport emissions, largely due to the region’s industrial supply chains serving the steel and automotive sectors.
VEV, which is backed by one of the world’s largest energy companies, supported the trial through its managed service that integrates electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and energy management.
Charlie Mortimer-Bell, Propositions Lead at VEV, said: “Whether we’re moving people, products or waste, we believe in a future for fleets that is cleaner, more comfortable and, above all, cost competitive.
"This trial is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when forward-thinking logistics firms like AV Dawson lead the way.”
While AV Dawson has also explored other low-emission alternatives such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Scott emphasised that electric vehicles may offer the best long-term solution.
“What we do know is that change is essential. Not only to support our customers but also to do our part for the planet.
"The real work starts now, as we evaluate which vehicles are the right fit for our operations and long-term business goals,” he said.