Milestone For Sustainable Transport: Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Crosses The Channel On P&O Ferry’s Newest Hybrid Ship

| Road Transport | Milestone For Sustainable Transport: Heavy-Duty Electric Truck Crosses The Channel On P&O Ferry's Newest Hybrid Ship

15:00 Wed 11th Jun 2025 | Posted By UKHAULIER

5 mins ago

Kuehne+Nagel, P&O Ferries and Renault Trucks, have partnered to successfully transport the first heavy-duty electric truck carrying freight across the English Channel via ferry. The route spanned from Dover to Calais, with the vehicle completing its journey at a Kuehne+Nagel depot in France before returning to the UK--marking a milestone in low-emissions logistics. The heavy-duty electric truck crossed the Channel on P&O Ferries' newest hybrid vessel, P&O Liberte, which produces 40% fewer carbon emissions than conventional ferries on the same route.

Its double-ended design, SmartShip technology, and optimised schedule and speed all contribute to greater operational efficiency and the overall reduction of emissions for Kuehne+Nagel's freight trip. This event demonstrates the operational viability of electric trucks on international routes and showcases their potential for decarbonising freight transport. The crossing also proves that ferry transport, unlike tunnels such as the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland--where regulatory restrictions sometimes apply due to safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries--offers a legally feasible and safe alternative for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) between the UK and mainland Europe.

Until now, no heavy-duty electric truck with freight had completed this ferry route. The delay reflects the current scarcity of such vehicles and the practical limitations of battery range, which can pose logistical challenges for long-haul freight operations. By proving the feasibility of this journey, the collaboration aims to boost confidence in electric truck technology, inspire broader adoption, and accelerate the shift to sustainable transport fleets.

The Dover-Calais route is a critical artery for UK-European trade, and this achievement highlights its potential as a green freight corridor for the future. Want to learn more?

Kuehne+Nagel experts can provide insights into:

The key challenges and opportunities in decarbonising transportation within the logistics industry.
Practical lessons from operating electric trucks in our fleet since 2023.
Our initiatives to accelerate fleet electrification--both within our operations and across the broader industry.

P&O Ferries' experts can provide insights into:

The design and introduction of P&O Ferries' new, pioneering Fusion class hybrid ferries on the English Channel - and their ability to become fully electric when shore power is available.
How these ships - and other industry-leading operational initiatives - reduce the emissions and environmental impact for freight customers using the route.
The importance of driver welfare for freight companies - matched to the specially designed, enhanced experience for drivers onboard P&O Ferries' new hybrid ships.
P&O Ferries' impact as part of its parent company DP World's global network, with potential for end-to-end logistics.

A representative of Renault Trucks can provide insights into:

Experience in mass-produced electric vehicles since 2020, with 5,000 electric trucks deployed, 53 million kilometers traveled, and a range covering 90% of urban uses and 30% of inter-regional uses.
Overview of the electric technologies offered and the importance of proper battery sizing.
The essential support for transport operators like Kuehne+Nagel in the energy transformation of their activities.

The truck manufacturer transitions from being a simple seller to an advisor present at all stages: from the analysis of logistics schemes, defining the needs in terms of truck types, charging infrastructure, and energy, to providing training and analysing performance for continuous optimization.