Glasgow-based logistics company Russell is taking part in a real-world trial of hydrogen fuel-cell and electric HGVs.
It is a part of a multi-year, real-world demonstration of zero emission technologies. Under the ZENFreight initiative – led by data analytics company Dynamon – it enables operators to directly compare the performance of electric and hydrogen HGVs.
In the trial Russell will deploy three hydrogen-electric Scania and three MAN battery-electric HGVs. The vehicles, configured as 6×2 rigids and tractors, will be the first of their kind to operate in parallel trials in the UK.
ZENFreight is the only one of the four ZEHID-funded consortia offering a direct comparison between the two leading zero-emission powertrains. By placing both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into day-to-day logistics operations, the project aims to gather evidence on performance, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure requirements in a live environment.
Russell’s participation includes installing depot infrastructure to support both technologies.
The company’s Coatbridge site in Glasgow will add high-capacity electric charging points and a hydrogen refuelling system, forming part of a shared nationwide network being developed by the consortium.
All vehicles in the ZenFreight project are set to be on the road by March 2026, operating for five years as part of the ZEHID demonstration phase, with performance benchmarked against diesel equivalents.
Russell Director, Graham Russell, said, “Our group is committed to sustainable logistics, using innovation and cutting-edge technology to reduce our environmental impact. As a key player in our customers’ supply chains, we take this responsibility seriously. The ZEHID demonstration project is a major step forward, allowing us to trial both electric and hydrogen technologies for heavy duty transport in real world operation, an exciting opportunity to build confidence in the future of zero emission freight.”
Angus Webb, CEO of Dynamon, added: “With a nationwide fleet and a seamlessly connected road and rail network, Russell delivers high-standard logistics solutions across the FMCG sector and beyond with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, making them the ideal fleet to demonstrate zero-emission vehicles.”
Victoria Saunders, Innovation Lead – Hydrogen in Transport, Innovate UK, said: “The addition of Russell Group to the ZENFreight consortium enhances the programme’s ability to evaluate hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technologies within a single operating structure. Through real-world trials and collaboration, ZENFreight will generate valuable insights into the strengths of each technology in the HGV sector.”
