Volvo’s EV is first of its kind

A new electric timber truck, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is now in operation in the Highlands as part of a three-year forestry trial to help decarbonise the sector. 

The state-of-the-art electric Volvo lorry – the first of the manufacturer’s line to be produced in Europe — has been in operation with ScotLog Sales since the end of October, transporting timber from the Port of Inverness to Dalcross. 

Scottish Forestry is investing £452,000 towards the trial and a second electric lorry is also in operation in the south of Scotland with forestry business James Jones & Sons. Rural Affairs MSP Mairi Gougeon said: “The forestry sector is keen to use modern technology to tackle timber transport issues as part of its overall efforts to decarbonise and reach net zero.” 

Consulting service Creel Maritime is monitoring the use of the 44-tonne vehicles during the trial. 

Neil Stoddart, director of Creel Maritime, said: “There are big challenges in running HGV lorries on electric power, mainly on cost grounds and infrastructure. So far both trucks are matching expectations in terms of commercial performance and driver operation.”