The eFreight Autonomous consortium has identified hub-to-hub motorway transport and intermodal shuttle operations as potential early use cases for autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the United Kingdom.
The findings stem from a nine-month feasibility study led by Voltempo and supported by UK government funding. Results were presented at the company’s Autonomous conference in Birmingham on 18 May.
Study Examines Initial Deployment Scenarios
According to the consortium, hub-to-hub trunking operations and intermodal shuttle services may offer suitable conditions for the introduction of autonomous freight vehicles due to their relatively predictable routes and controlled operating environments.
The study assessed a range of factors, including operational requirements, vehicle utilization, safety considerations, productivity impacts, and potential emissions reductions.
Industry and Government Participation
The feasibility study involved participation from truck manufacturers, government departments, freight industry organizations, and trade associations.
The consortium said the collaboration was intended to evaluate potential deployment pathways and identify areas requiring further technical, regulatory, and operational assessment.
Vehicle Concepts Included in Research
As part of the study, the consortium also explored concepts for autonomous HGV designs, including lightweight “smart trailer” configurations.
According to the consortium, these concepts could potentially increase payload capacity by approximately 15% while reducing vehicle weight by around 10%, although further development and validation would be required.
The study additionally estimated that wider adoption of such vehicle concepts could contribute to reductions in fleet operating costs and vehicle numbers on UK roads, depending on deployment scale and operating conditions.
Next Steps Could Include Pilot Projects
The consortium indicated that the study represents an initial stage in assessing autonomous freight opportunities in the UK.
“The UK now has a genuine opportunity to help shape the future of autonomous freight rather than simply importing solutions developed elsewhere,” said Sir Vince Cable, Chair of the eFreight Autonomous consortium.
“The next step is to move from feasibility work towards structured real-world deployment trials.”
According to the consortium, trial activities could begin from 2027, subject to further development, regulatory approvals, and stakeholder engagement.
The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the future role of autonomous technologies within the UK’s freight and logistics sector.
