DP World expands electric HGV trial at Southampton port

DP World is launching the second phase of its Low Carbon Truck Programme in the United Kingdom, called the Electric Vehicle Introduction and Transition Accelerator (EVITA) trial. The initiative runs from July 2024 until 2029 and allows hauliers to rent electric heavy‑goods vehicles for 12‑week periods at costs comparable to diesel trucks. More than 1,500 trucks are already registered to the programme, supporting over 60 UK hauliers. Initial models from Mercedes‑Benz, Volvo and MAN are available, with a fourth manufacturer to join in October. Up to 100 trial opportunities are expected over the three‑year run, with vehicles fitted with tracking systems to monitor performance, efficiency and emissions. Participants can use DP World’s twin 360 kWh charging stations at its newly opened driver‑welfare facility in Southampton. Company officials said the trial aims to de‑risk electric truck adoption and demonstrate a commercially viable pathway toward the UK’s net‑zero freight goals.