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Roads minister gets to grips with electric truck

[ May 9, 2023   //   ]

Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden got the chance to test-drive one of the UK’s first new heavy-duty electric trucks when he visited DHL Supply Chain’s Transport Development Centre in Crick, Northamptonshire.

The TDC is at the heart of DHL’s Driving Ambition training programme which provides fully funded training for applicants to qualify as LGV drivers. New recruits are taken through an end-to-end course, covering everything from medical checks to driving theory and practical training. Since launch, over 600 prospective drivers have obtained LGV licences through the TDC.

Under close supervision from a DHL Driver Assessor, Holden got behind the wheel of one of the UK’s first fully electric heavy-duty tractor units to undertake a series of test manoeuvres. DHL took delivery of the new vehicles in March 2023, and they are now in regular operation on the roads.

Richard Holden said: “It was great to get behind the wheel of one of the UK’s first fully electric trucks and see DHL’s comprehensive training first-hand.

“Moving goods across the country is the backbone of our economy and that is why we have extensively worked with the sector to encourage more people into the sector and aid the transition to an electric fleet through nearly £200m.”

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