A second challenge call for Zero Emissions Heavy Duty Vehicles was completed recently from Transport Scotland and Scottish Enterprise through its Can Do Innovation Challenge framework to support innovation around net zero transport.

This round of funding was an extension to a programme launched in 2021 and aimed to target a wider range of heavy duty transport with successful projects including boats, gritters and offroad excavators.

Electron Garage in Glenrothes is using the funding to develop a retrofit solution to electrify diesel gritters with swappable batteries. This will enable depots with 24-hour capability and also vehicle-to-grid capacity to tap into onsite renewables and off-peak electricity when the vehicle is not in use.

The retrofit aims to provide a more cost-efficient solution for public sector fleets and Wayne Campbell from Electron Garage said the company has already had support for the project from East Lothian Council.

He added: “We ultimately aim to help all local authorities to electrify all of their heavy duty vehicles – and save money in the process – factoring in their range of different duty cycles and providing retrofit solutions that work for them. We are thankful for the support of Scottish Enterprise’s Zero Emissions Heavy Duty Vehicles challenge call as it is vital we look to reduce emissions around transport.”

Ideas cover a range of projects from hydrogen refuelling to battery technology and two projects are based at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc in Dundee including a hydrogen fuel cell powered truck being developed by Laidir Circular Mobility and a battery solution for a hydrofoil boat from OTG.

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