Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA), in partnership with affiliate member Urban Foresight, is inviting interest from across its wholesale and supplier membership to be part of a consortium of fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers submitting a funding bid as part of the Innovate UK and Department for Transport’s latest funding competition.
The competition is open to fleet operators of 40-44 tonne HGVs. It will invest up to £140 million in projects as a part of the Zero Emission Road Freight (ZERFT) Demonstration programme, with the aim to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen fuel cell and electric HGVs.
Some SWA members are currently involved in the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Freight Trial (SHyFT) with Ballard Motive Solutions which is seeking funding from the competition that would initiate the delivery of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through SHyFT members which are also invited to be part of the new funding bid.
Colin Smith, SWA chief executive, said: “These two funding bids represent a fantastic opportunity for SWA members to replace or supplement their 40-44 tonne HGVs with electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The funding will also cover the cost of fuelling infrastructure.
“Project funding must be between £20 million and £90 million for electric, or between £30 million and £140 million for a hydrogen project. Funding will cover up to 70% of costs (80% for capital costs, including trucks and infrastructure) with the total fund pot designed to cover a minimum of 25 trucks within at least two operators and with at least two to three fuelling/charging locations.”
Bid applications for the competition close on 2 October 2022 and members are asked to show their interest quickly.
To hear more about the competition from Urban Foresight, a specialist project-based consultancy in Dundee, and get an update on the SHyFT project, interested wholesalers and suppliers should attend an online information session on Friday, 2 September, from 12.30pm-1.30pm.
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