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Episode 182: Liz Allan and Jamie Sands - Electric HGVs and Zero Emission Freight Made Commercial.

Liz Allan is joined by Jamie Sands, Head of Solutions at Welch Group, to explore what it will really take to decarbonise UK freight in a way that works commercially, not just on paper.

Jamie shares his journey from retail into logistics and explains how Welsh Group has used electrification as a springboard for wider innovation, from electric trucks and depot charging through to smarter use of operational data, and the emerging role of AI in reducing complexity across an already high-pressure sector.

Together, Liz and Jamie discuss why parts of the industry remain sceptical about EVs and net zero, and why Jamie believes the biggest issue is not the vehicles themselves but energy, specifically gaining real control over fuel costs for the first time in a century. They also get into the practical realities: grid connections, megawatt charging, driver breaks, the true total cost of ownership, and why communicating the opportunity to tens of thousands of operators remains one of the hardest challenges.

Jamie also introduces TwentyForty, an innovation ecosystem designed to help freight operators collaborate, access emerging solutions, and influence policy through real-world operational insight.

Quote of the Episode:
“For haulage, controlling electricity costs rather than being stuck with diesel pricing is a game changer.” Jamie Sands

Jamie Sands Bio:
Jamie Sands is the Head of Solutions at Welch Group, where he leads on technology, innovation, and sustainability across a long-established UK logistics operation. With a background spanning retail and logistics, Jamie has become known for his practical, operator-led view of decarbonising freight, focusing on what makes change workable day to day. He is also the founder of TwentyForty, an innovation ecosystem that supports freight operators through collaboration, trials, and policy engagement to accelerate progress towards zero-emission logistics.

Jamie Sands Links:
Welsh Group Website: https://welchgroup.co.uk
Twenty Forty Website: https://twentyforty.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-sands

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