Image: DP WorldThe Electric Vehicle Introduction and Transition Accelerator (EVITA) trial follows a successful pilot this January in partnership with the University of Cambridge’s JOLT initiative. Launching in July, it will enable hauliers to rent electric HGVs ‘with costs aligned to diesel vehicles’ for up to 12 weeks. DP World says it hopes this will “help members understand how electric HGVs perform across their own routes and supply chains in comparison to traditional diesel trucks”.According to the port operator, three models of electric truck from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and MAN will initially be available, with a fourth model on the way from October. In partnership with Hireco, DP World estimates that the scheme will deliver up to 100 vehicle trials for hauliers.Seven logistics firms have already received new eHGVs under the scheme, including Williams Shipping and ATL Haulage. These vehicles reportedly feature tracking systems enabling access to performance analytics and data on emissions. Participating hauliers can also make use of DP World’s twin 360kWh eHGV charging stations at its driver rest facility in Southampton.John Trenchard, Vice President, Sustainable Supply Chains – Europe, at DP World, said: “More than 80% of UK freight is transported by road, so decarbonisation initiatives that empower hauliers to take action on their own supply chains are key for the UK energy transition.“With the EVITA trial, DP World is demonstrating its commitment to enabling the industry to adopt more sustainable methods of moving goods through a practical and commercially attractive pathway.”Drew Roberts, Managing Director, ATL Haulage, added: “A month in with the MAN electric HGV and we’re doing exactly what EVITA was designed for – testing, learning and adapting. Integrating the new vehicle into our daily container moves from DP World Southampton has highlighted the operational differences between EV and ICE management in ways you can only understand by doing it.“Driver feedback has been positive so far and the questions the trial is raising are the right ones. We came into this to de-risk the unknown and that’s exactly what’s happening.”dpworld.com