Urban Foresight was commissioned by the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) to provide expert research and analysis for its Decarbonising the Wholesale Industry programme.

The programme was launched to support SWA member organisations to test, pilot and implement various measures to cut carbon emissions. Figures from SWA’s Fleet Emissions Baseline in 2021 showed that 88% of its membership vehicle fleet was comprised of fossil fuel vehicles.

To build the case for change, SWA wanted to share real-world evidence from members already cutting their transport emissions – demonstrating both the challenges and the benefits of making the transition.

Urban Foresight carried out in-depth research, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, producing two reports examining the benefits to operators of decarbonising depot and company car fleets, and of transitioning to fully electric HGVs.

Drawing on our specialist knowledge of zero emission fleet transitions, the detailed case studies provided SWA members with practical insights into charging infrastructure requirements, vehicle performance across delivery routes, costs and financial benefits.

We also included testimonials from drivers and fleet managers, adding invaluable real-world perspectives on operational impacts and driver experience.

First of a kind HGV deployment

As part of a pioneering trial run by SWA in partnership with Volvo Trucks, three SWA members tested a fully electric Volvo FE 19-tonne curtain slider truck for two weeks – the first time a fully electric HGV had been deployed in Scotland’s wholesale sector.

Our evaluation showed this trial was a powerful step in overcoming perceptions about electric HGV functionality and efficiency. Key learnings included:

• Vehicle charging and infrastructure requirements
• Cost and business case considerations
• Positive driver experience and performance feedback
• The importance of senior leadership to champion change
• Skills training needs for successful adoption

Decarbonising depots and company car fleets

Several SWA members are already taking action to decarbonise their depot operations and fleets. Our research into these early adopters found:

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with electric vehicles
• The value of reviewing fleet operations alongside depot energy use to optimise charging infrastructure
• Opportunities for collaborative procurement to deliver wider sector benefits

Practical evidence-based guidance

The case studies and analysis produced by Urban Foresight equipped SWA and its members with practical, evidence-based guidance on fleet decarbonisation. By offering clear insights into the real-world performance and costs of electric vehicles, along with the infrastructure and organisational changes required, members are supported to make informed, confident decisions about their transition to net zero transport.

This initiative builds on Urban Foresight’s proven track record in fleet decarbonisation. Previous projects include electrifying Newcastle City Council’s fleet and deploying electric buses in the Kyrgyz Republic.

For tailored support in fleet electrification and transport planning, contact the team at hello@urbanforesight.com.