Making history: Kuehne+Nagel send the first eHGV across the channel

Earlier this year, a huge step was taken in the logistics sector towards reducing their carbon footprints and meeting 2050 net zero emissions targets, with the first eHGV crossing the Channel Tunnel on a LeShuttle freight train. 

 The eHGV belongs to logistics company Kuehne+Nagel, a sponsor of Generation Logistics, and is planned to be the first of many, with the business looking to have a fleet that comprises at least 60% low-emission vehicles by 2030. 

 The graduate who planned the trip 

 Behind the operation was 23-year-old Matthew Scoble, eHGV Transport Planner, who only graduated last year with a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability from the University of Derby. “We worked with Eurotunnel/LeShuttle for over a year, developing various health and safety protocols to ensure that the eHGV could cross the tunnel safely,” Matthew explains. 

“Planning the actual trip, however, took less than a day,” Matthew adds. “It mainly involved pinpointing charging stops, routes and overall timings. We had to adapt to public infrastructure availability, balancing charging times with transit schedules, ensuring that we were able to reach our depot in Germany in time while still having enough charge to get there and back without missing the schedule or running out of time with our drivers.” 

 Although he completed his degree in 2025, Matthew already has a longer history with Kuehne+Nagel, having enjoyed an industrial placement with the company between his second and third year: “My time in the placement was spent conducting ESG audits of freight partners, becoming certified as Carbon Literate and delivering sessions to other industrial placement/graduate scheme peers, and many other sustainability-driven projects! 

 “This helped me get my name out into the wider business, directly leading to me being asked to return to Kuehne+Nagel to fulfil my current role as an eHGV Transport Planner. My new role is all to do with our new eHGVs and charging infrastructure, from planning things like the sector-first Eurotunnel trip to looking after the day-to-day running and reporting of the vehicles.”  

Driving the green revolution 

Matthew’s journey from an industrial placement student to a history-making Transport Planner is a prime example of how the logistics sector is evolving. It is no longer just about moving goods from A to B; it is about using data to further sustainability and pioneering new technology to protect the planet. 

By merging his passion for Environmental Science with a career in logistics, Matthew has been able to make a tangible impact on the industry’s carbon footprint already. His story highlights a vital truth: the “next generation” of logistics talent won’t just be joining the industry; they will be the ones redesigning it. 

A roadmap to net zero 

The success of the Kuehne+Nagel eHGV crossing serves as proof of concept for the entire freight industry. It proves that with the right planning, the right people, and the right infrastructure, the dream of a zero-emission supply chain is becoming a reality. 

As more companies follow K+N’s lead toward a 60% low-emission fleet by 2030, the demand for “green” logistics roles, from sustainability auditors to EV infrastructure planners, will only continue to grow. 

Are you ready to make history? 

The logistics sector is constantly looking for fresh perspectives and innovative thinkers to help solve tomorrow’s challenges. Whether you are interested in environmental science like Matthew, or have a passion for engineering, technology, or management, there is a place for you in this fast-paced, essential sector. 

Your journey starts here. If you’re inspired by Matthew’s story and want to find a career where you can make a real-world difference, explore our resources today: 

  • Take the Quiz: Find out which logistics role matches your skills and personality with our Find Your Future tool. 
  • Explore Roles: Learn more about the breadth of opportunities available in the sector. 
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