An electric heavy goods vehicle has completed the first-ever journey through the Channel Tunnel, marking a significant step for zero-emission freight transport. The crossing formed part of a government-backed trial exploring how electric lorries can operate on long-distance international routes linking the UK with mainland Europe.

The trip was delivered by partners involved in the eFreight 2030 initiative, working alongside LeShuttle Freight, which carries more than a million lorries a year through the tunnel. The route is one of Europe’s most important trade links, and organisers say proving electric vehicles can use it reliably is a major milestone for the logistics sector.

The journey began at a UK distribution hub in the East Midlands, where the lorry was loaded and fully charged using high-powered depot infrastructure. It then travelled on a 1,700km return route to Germany, with drivers stopping at public rapid-charging sites in the UK, France and Belgium. The charging stops demonstrated the growing network of facilities now available to support electric freight on international corridors.

The vehicle used was an electric version of the Daf XF, capable of travelling up to 500km on a single charge and quickly topping up en route. Industry leaders involved in the project said the successful crossing shows electric HGVs are no longer limited to short, domestic journeys. They believe the trial highlights how zero-emission lorries can already meet the demands of mainstream logistics, while supporting UK and EU ambitions to cut transport-related emissions.