Funding secured to test feasibility of autonomous HGVs

A project which will explore the role of autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK from the perspective of fleet operations has secured funding from the government and industry.
 
The study by the eFREIGHT Autonomous consortium aims to identify potential use cases, assess commercial viability, and examine the infrastructure and legislative frameworks required to enable autonomous trucking in the UK.
 
Led by EV charging specialists, Voltempo Group, developers of the British designed and manufactured electric HGV megawatt charging system, the consortium includes Berkeley Coachworks, designer of the innovative, lightweighted Berkeley Bulldog e-trailer, and data and research partner, Connected Places Catapult. 

Chairman of the consortium is Sir Vince Cable, former Secretary-of-State for Business, Innovation and Skills who gave the green light to the UK’s first tests of driverless technology in 2014.
 
Sir Vince Cable said: “We are delighted to have been selected to take part in the CAM Pathfinder feasibility study to research, evaluate and help shape the future of UK freight transport from the perspective of fleet operators. Autonomous technology offers a chance to  unlock innovation across transport, strengthen the UK supply chain and rethink logistics that are cleaner, greener and better for local communities and better for business.”
 
At the end of the project, eFREIGHT Autonomous will produce reports and briefing documents for government and industry that outline the roadmap for autonomous heavy road freight vehicles, identifying potential opportunities, risks, costs and timescales for autonomous vehicles for the road freight industry.
 
In parallel with the study, consortium member Berkeley Coachworks plans to develop autonomous HGVs at its manufacturing site and test track in Trecwn, Pembrokeshire. Following the publication of its reports, eFREIGHT Autonomous plans to examine the opportunity to create real-world trials with autonomous HGVs, running on UK roads, with the potential is to have autonomous HGVs operational by the end of 2027.
 
Work on the eFREIGHT Autonomous feasibility study project will begin summer 2025, with results delivered early 2027.

The funding was secured through the CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies (FS) Competition delivered by Innovate UK and Zenzic.