Three UK logistics companies are expanding their electric truck fleets following trials under Project JOLT, a research programme examining the commercial and operational viability of battery-electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs).
DP World, Howard Tenens and Port Express have all committed to new electric trucks after testing vehicle range, payload capacity and running costs on their own freight routes.
Led by Professor David Cebon and the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF), Project JOLT involves two universities, 15 fleet operators, five truck manufacturers and three organisations providing project management and software support. The programme examines factors including battery efficiency, vehicle range and operational performance.
One finding suggests operators could save approximately £0.21 per kilometre in fuel costs by switching from diesel to electric trucks, based on current fuel prices. The trials also helped participants identify routes and payload requirements suitable for battery-electric vehicles.
DP World Expands MAN Electric Truck Fleet
DP World is making the largest investment among the three participating hauliers. Its logistics division has acquired two MAN eTGX electric tractor units and ordered eight more.
The vehicles will join three electric trucks already operating from the company’s Bicester depot. Once all ten additional trucks enter service, the depot will operate 13 electric vehicles within its 37-truck fleet.
According to DP World, seven of the 11 destinations served from Bicester are within the operating range of the MAN trucks.
Howard Tenens has also selected MAN vehicles, ordering one eTGX electric tractor unit and one eTGS rigid truck. The company plans to use electricity from its own renewable energy generation to help reduce operating costs.
Port Express Introduces Volvo FH Electric
Felixstowe-based Port Express has agreed to a two-year lease for a Volvo FH Electric tractor unit. The truck will operate on a regular shuttle route between Felixstowe and Milton Keynes, serving a retail customer seeking to reduce its Scope 3 emissions.
Port Express said Project JOLT and DP World’s Low Carbon Truck Programme introduced the company to electric heavy-duty vehicles.
Managing director James Watts said the trials helped the company evaluate the technology and identify suitable applications.
Thanks to Project JOLT, we dispelled any misconceptions about electric trucks. It was then a matter of matching a vehicle to our regular routes.
DP World Continues UK Electric Truck Support
The new commitments follow DP World’s wider efforts to encourage electric truck adoption among UK logistics operators.
In June 2026, the company expanded its collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Introduction and Transition Accelerator (EVITA), offering participating businesses access to electric HGVs for trial periods of up to 12 weeks.
The programme is intended to help hauliers assess electric truck performance across their own routes and supply chains before making investment decisions.