MAN and DPD begin electric truck road trials in UK

MAN and DPD in the UK have begun a series of electric truck road trials, which the manufacturer says marks a significant step forward in sustainable freight transport.

At the centre of these trials is the eTGX tractor, with a claimed range of up to 800km and a maximum ultra-fast charging capacity of 750 kW.

The vehicle will undergo a comprehensive induction and driver training programme, based at DPD’s Hinckley Hub 4, before taking the road for real-world operational testing, towing a standard trailer on a dedicated DPD route.

In addition, MAN and DPD are collaborating to develop a configuration optimised for double-decker trailers, with the first tailored vehicle expected to enter testing later this year.

Since the beginning of 2025 MAN has deployed more than 100 electric HGVs with fleets across Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands.

These trucks have joined logistics companies including Duvenbeck, DB Schenker, Dachser, Dräxlmaier and Koopman.

The electric trucks are said to have so far covered around 500,000km, saving about 400-tonnes of CO2 in this short period.