In a first for electric road freight, a 40-tonne electric truck operated by Kuehne+Nagel has successfully completed a full cross-Channel delivery run, marking a notable step forward in zero-emissions logistics between the UK and continental Europe.
The journey began at Kuehne+Nagel’s East Midlands Gateway depot in Derbyshire, UK. Behind the wheel was a Renault Trucks E-Tech T, a heavy-duty all-electric freight vehicle, covering 648 kilometers to reach the company’s depot in Amiens, France. The trip included a ferry crossing aboard the hybrid vessel P&O Liberté, operated by P&O Ferries, from Dover to Calais.
Crossing the English Channel by electric freight vehicle is more than symbolic—it’s a proof of concept that battery-powered trucks are viable for long-haul European logistics. The total trip time clocked in at 15 hours and 35 minutes, including recharging, customs clearance, and ferry transit.
Following delivery in Amiens, the vehicle was reloaded and recharged before completing the 1,100-kilometre round trip back to the UK, again by ferry. Throughout the operation, the truck maintained operational reliability under real-world road conditions, which included a range of terrains, loading schedules, and logistical procedures.
This trial wasn’t just about ticking a box. Kuehne+Nagel is using this experience to inform the broader industry. As a member of the eFREIGHT 2030 initiative, the company intends to report its findings directly to the UK government, with a focus on accelerating infrastructure and regulatory support for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The success of this route test sends a message: the transition to low-emission trucking in cross-border freight is no longer theoretical. It’s happening, albeit incrementally and with eyes wide open to the challenges ahead. Infrastructure gaps remain, especially in terms of charging availability and scheduling, but this trip provides a tangible benchmark for what’s technically and operationally possible.
