In winter, local authorities face an increasingly complex challenge: integrating electric and hybrid vehicles into operations, while maintaining traditional diesel fleets. In Staffordshire, where I work, this transition is happening gradually and with a keen eye on the practical realities of winter service delivery.

In Staffordshire we face a number of geographical challenges, as the southern area is flatter, while northern high ground requires different vehicles and snow clearance approaches. Our gritting fleet currently consists of around 42 conventional diesel-powered gritters that we deploy across the county. However, about half now run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), representing our first step toward more sustainable operations. Meanwhile, our smaller inspection vehicles are where we're introducing electric vehicles.

The practicalities of electric vehicle (EV) adoption extend far beyond simply purchasing new vehicles. We operate from six depots scattered across Staffordshire, including remote locations in the Peak District where our most challenging terrain lies. Installing charging infrastructure at each depot would mean significant capital investment, particularly at our most remote facility. For areas like the Staffordshire Moorlands, where we rely on hill contractors, the infrastructure challenges become even more acute.

Then there's the question of when to charge. We need vehicles out working during the day, not sitting in depot charging bays. Yet if drivers take vehicles home for security and convenience, we face new questions about home charging arrangements and equipment.

Interestingly, cold weather hasn't created significant operational problems for our small EV fleet so far. We're not seeing range issues that disrupt daily operations. The main challenge is on charging logistics, rather than vehicle performance in winter conditions. This is encouraging as we consider broader electrification, though the equation changes significantly when contemplating larger, more demanding vehicles like gritters.

Winter maintenance has evolved considerably from the days when gritters sat unused all summer before being serviced in preparation for October. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), our gritters now receive regular, scheduled inspections and maintenance throughout the year. This means we're already moving vehicles regularly for proactive maintenance, so transitioning to electric shouldn't impose additional pressure.

Some of our gritters are even registered and plated as Heavy Goods Vehicles for use beyond salt spreading. Now, with four machines properly certified, we can deploy them to spread dust on roads during heatwaves – proving that these aren’t just seasonal assets, but year-round resources.

Currently, about two-thirds of our fleet uses telematics and we're procuring 11 new machines that will bring us to 100% coverage. The benefits are substantial – the system automatically provides route navigation, controls spread patterns, widths and start-stop points.

Telematics also dramatically improves operational resilience. It means any driver can operate any vehicle without extensive route-specific training. We also receive real-time alerts when problems occur, so we are better able to respond to complaints and manage public expectations. There's also an environmental benefit, as reduced salt usage means less impact on waterways, vegetation and wildlife.

We are seeing innovation across the sector. ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK, the three-year, UK-wide £30m programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network, is enabling local authorities to pioneer new approaches.

For example, between January and March 2025, Hampshire County Council and M Group Highways, as part of the Wessex Live Labs programme, trialled the fully electric Econ EQCB gritter. The vehicle achieved over one tonne of CO2e savings across 12 runs, demonstrating clear environmental benefits and positive driver feedback.

Although high capital and charging infrastructure costs currently limit financial viability, the trial highlighted strong potential for deployment on shorter urban routes where air quality and noise reduction are key priorities.

The industry is also making real advances in demountable spreading units, modern electric-powered bodies that can be quickly fitted to different chassis to maximise year-round utilisation. When you're investing around £1.2m in 11 specialised vehicles with such limited annual use, the business case for adaptable equipment is compelling.

As we navigate local government reorganisation and plan for an uncertain future, we're taking measured steps toward electrification. Managing mixed fleets through winter demands pragmatism: electrifying where it makes sense, maintaining reliable diesel operations and using technology to maximise efficiency across both.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of LAPV. Sign up here to receive your free copy of future issues.