Yusen Logistics UK has become the first haulier to deliver production parts directly to Nissan’s Sunderland plant using a fully electric HGV, marking a significant milestone in the transition to zero-emission freight transport.
The development follows a three-year collaboration between Yusen Logistics and Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK), initiated in 2022 to explore the decarbonisation of the logistics supply chain. The project aims to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric alternatives, supported by a new charging infrastructure and revised route planning to reduce downtime.
The pilot scheme has culminated in a 703-kilometre round trip from Yusen’s Derby site to Sunderland using an electric HGV (eHGV), successfully stress-testing the operational viability of an end-to-end electrified delivery network. A wider rollout involving 10 eHGVs is now underway.
Yusen’s Derby facility, a 100,000 sq ft warehouse with space for 183 trailers, now includes charging points for up to three eHGVs simultaneously. Meanwhile, its Leeds site, which supports Nissan as a cross-docking location, has installed 10 dedicated eHGV chargers — including three 360kW high-capacity units — capable of charging vehicles to full capacity in 2.5 hours on average.
The initiative forms part of Electric Freightway, a government-backed programme funded through Innovate UK, which runs from September 2025 to September 2030. In partnership with GRIDSERVE and Nissan, the charging infrastructure at Leeds and Derby will support a 25-strong fleet, with a charging capacity of up to 360kW, delivering an anticipated CO₂ saving of 1,500 tonnes per year.
The fully electric fleet will serve Nissan’s UK supply chain, covering over 2.4 million kilometres annually, from the Midlands to the Port of Tyne.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, said: “We’re working closely with the road freight sector to slash transport emissions, and our £200 million zero-emission HGV programme is helping businesses across the country to power the electrification of their fleets. It’s great to see Nissan taking advantage of this scheme — supporting skilled jobs and strengthening our Plan for Change.”
Daniel Kunkel, Chief Executive of GRIDSERVE, added: “The decarbonisation of freight transport is more effective when approached through collaboration. We’re proud to support this UK-first with Nissan and Yusen Logistics, with depot charging forming a crucial part of the broader EV infrastructure strategy.”
Sam Clarke, Commercial Lead at GRIDSERVE, said the Leeds and Derby sites would become critical regional hubs in the national electrified logistics network: “By replacing diesel trucks with eHGVs, these sites reduce carbon emissions while strengthening the UK’s low-emission transport infrastructure.”
Ray Blackham, Regional General Manager at Yusen Logistics UK, said: “This project aligns closely with our values and our commitment to supporting customers like Nissan with sustainable solutions. Our Leeds and Derby sites were strategically chosen for the trial and demonstrate the benefits of industry collaboration.”
The initiative has also been well received by drivers. Dave Reynolds, a Class 1 driver based at Leeds, commented: “After completing our training with Volvo, initial concerns about range quickly disappeared. The eVolvo is excellent — a pleasure to drive — and we’re all looking forward to getting more time behind the wheel.”
Looking ahead, Yusen Logistics is set to open a new Sustainable Distribution Centre in early 2026. Designed to BREEAM Outstanding standards, the site will feature solar-powered automation systems to enhance efficiency and further support the group’s environmental objectives.
For further information, visit the Yusen Logistics UK website or contact +44 (0)1604 748500.
