Company leads £3.25m project to turbo-charge take-up of zero emission trucks | TheBusinessDesk.com

Published 29/06/2022 · Updated 01/07/2022

Magtec, a designer, maker and integrator of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, is heading a Government-backed project to accelerate adoption of zero emission trucks for NHS Wales and support uptake across the UK. Backed by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, the GBP3.25m project will create a predictive tool for making accurate comparisons for prospective electric vehicles within a fleet and estimating electric vehicle infrastructure requirements and costs, giving fleet managers the confidence to convert their fleets. Rotherham-based Magtec is working on the trial with Dynamon, a fleet data analytics specialist, and electrical infrastructure specialists UK Power Networks Services.

Magtec is supplying 10 18-ton zero emission electric trucks to NHS Wales. The trucks will be used to help with the collection and distribution of laundry at four locations across the country. They will be equipped with the ability for a rapid charge system for increased usability.

Each of the chargers will also be mobile, meaning they can be easily moved around and connected to wall sockets installed by UK Power Networks Services. Dynamon is developing its proven feasibility software – based on advanced artificial intelligence – to predict battery state of charge, road performance and grid load. UK Power Networks Services is developing a tool for estimating EV installation costs and installing charging infrastructure across the different NHS sites used in the trial: Bridgend, Cwmbran, Denbigh and Newport.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “The move from internal combustion engine to electric vehicle fleets is disrupting procurement in the public and private sectors with uncertainty around costs and infrastructure. “Fleet managers are under pressure to electrify their fleets but there is little data to support their investment decisions. “This project will fill the gaps in knowledge and help accelerate the take-up of zero emission trucks, creating new jobs here at Magtec and across our supply chain in South Yorkshire.”

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This exciting project is an important step in our journey to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels as we introduce cleaner HGVs to our roads. “The fleet industry plays a vital role in keeping the UK moving and it’s crucial it joins the journey to a greener future. I look forward to seeing the outcome of this project as we invest in research to decarbonise all aspects of our transport network.”