SWA members invited to make funding bid

Wholesalers are being asked to join a consortium of fleet operators and vehicle manufacturers submitting a funding bid to the Innovate UK and Department for Transport’s latest funding competition.

Invites for interest have been opened up by the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) – in partnership with affiliate partner, Urban Foresight – to suppliers and wholesalers within SWA’s membership.

The competition is open to fleet operators of 40-44 tonne HGVs and closes on 2 October 2022, so interest needs to be shown quickly.

The fund will invest up to £140 million in projects as a part of the Zero Emission Road Freight (ZERFT) Demonstration programme, with the aim to accelerate the uptake of hydrogen fuel cell and electric HGVs.

Some SWA members are currently involved in the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Freight Trial (SHyFT) with Ballard Motive Solutions which is seeking funding from the competition that would initiate the delivery of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through SHyFT members which are also invited to be part of the new funding bid.

“These two funding bids represent a fantastic opportunity for SWA members to replace or supplement their 40-44 tonne HGVs with electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles,” said SWA Chief Executive Colin Smith.

“The funding will also cover the cost of fuelling infrastructure. Project funding must be between £20 million and £90 million for electric, or between £30 million and £140 million for a hydrogen project.

“Funding will cover up to 70% of costs (80% for capital costs, including trucks and infrastructure) with the total fund pot designed to cover a minimum of 25 trucks within at least two operators and with at least two to three fuelling/charging locations.”

To hear more about the competition from Urban Foresight, a specialist project-based consultancy in Dundee, and get an update on the SHyFT project, interested wholesalers and suppliers should attend an online information session on Friday, 2 September, from 12.30pm-1.30pm.