Plans for 54 electric HGV charging hubs unveiled

Innovate UK has confirmed the locations for a new network of 54 electric HGV charging hubs that will be rolled out across the UK.

Each of the hubs is being led by one of the four flagship project partnerships which form the Zero Emission HGV and infrastructure programme: Project Electric Freightway, eFREIGHT2030, ZENFreight and HyHAUL.

The announcement follows the opening of the UK's fifth electric HGV charging hub. Located in Immingham, the new site is the first to be launched in the UK by Milence.

More than 400 businesses met at the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrations (ZEHID) programme summit in London, last week, organised by Innovate UK in partnership with the Department for Transport.

At the summit, the organisation outlined its £200 million programme to deploy hundreds of zero-emission HGVs alongside a network of charging and fuelling stations.

Simon Buckley, knowledge transfer manager for Zero Emission Mobility said: "The announcement of 54 new infrastructure hubs marks a transformative moment for the UK’s freight industry. By strategically placing these hubs across the country, we are addressing one of the biggest barriers to zero-emission HGV adoption; reliable infrastructure.

"This programme not only accelerates the transition to cleaner transport but also strengthens supply chain resilience, ensuring businesses can move goods sustainably without compromising efficiency."

Charging hubs will be installed across the UK including in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The majority will be located in England.

Motorway services operator Moto plans to install up to 300 charging bays for electric HGVs at 23 strategic locations by 2030. 

Construction of the first two superhubs at Exeter and Tamworth is due to start in April, following a recent planning approval. 

Chris Ashley, RHA senior policy lead, said: “We are very pleased at the announcement of the long-awaited map of Government-funded public electric charging and hydrogen refilling points for zero emission HGVs in the UK.

“This development will give operators more confidence when planning the transition of their fleets to non-diesel vehicles.

“We look forward to seeing more information about these sites and will continue to work with governments, stakeholders and our industry on charting a supportive journey to net zero.”

James Wroath, CEO at Wincanton, added: “We welcome the government’s zero-emissions HGV infrastructure plans, which represent a crucial step towards greener logistics. But while this announcement is great progress, there’s still a long road ahead.

“The logistics and transport sector has a critical part to play in meeting the nation’s net-zero commitments, and the role of electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in achieving this cannot be underestimated. But, until now, range restrictions and lack of charging infrastructure have presented a huge challenge to operating sustainable HGV fleets. 

“Despite this announcement, there are still other significant barriers in the adoption of alternative fuels and systems. Cost remains an issue. Our recent research found that just 25% of logistics and supply chain decision makers think alternative fuel vehicles will be affordable within the next four to six years. With more than half (54%) of UK logistics and supply chain businesses saying they will struggle to hit their net-zero targets, it’s vital that Government and industry works together at pace to remove cost barriers, accelerate infrastructure roll-out, and provide clear, long-term incentives that give businesses the confidence to invest.”