GRIDSERVE to deliver UK's first charging network for electric HGVs

A new network of high-powered charging sites for electric heavy goods vehicles will be established at motorway service areas, truck stops and commercial depots as part of the ‘Electric Freightway’ project, which will be led by GRIDSERVE.

GRIDSERVE will be leading a consortium of 33 partner and member companies involved in the project, with additional funded from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.

In the initial two year long procurement phase of the project, eHGV charging hubs will be installed at both motorway services areas and truck stops to support long distance travel around major trunk roads in the UK. The project also includes more than 10 commercial depot charging locations for eHGVs. In total, over 200 chargers capable of delivering 350kW will be installed, including an initial trial of two 1-megawatt-capacity chargers. The new public charging infrastructure will be supplied by 100 per cent net zero energy to ensure fleets are charged with net zero carbon energy.

Around 140 eHGVs will initially be brought into fleets by UK-based companies to use the new network, with multi-national and small businesses collaborating side-by-side. Data collection will run for five years to collate valuable insights into the electrification of eHGVs to support the ongoing transition.

GRIDSERVE's role as project lead involves managing and delivering the Electric Freightway project and sourcing the vital data needed to inform further progress towards eHGV adoption. GRIDSERVE will develop, deliver and operate the eHGV charging hubs at the motorway service areas as well as the commercial depot charging offerings.

Toddington Harper, CEO of GRIDSERVE said: “This is a pioneering project for GRIDSERVE that aims to move the needle in the debate about how to deliver net zero transport for heavy goods vehicles. We look forward to demonstrating and proving that battery powered electric heavy goods vehicles represents the optimum path to choose, delivering significant benefits over other technology routes in respect of ease and scale of deployment, driver experience, and favourable economics.”

Sam Clarke, Chief Vehicle Officer at GRIDSERVE, said; “GRIDSERVE is proud to be leading the way in the switch to electric. Supporting UK logistics to move to battery electric vehicles will be instrumental in moving the needle on climate change and we are ready to deliver the infrastructure required in the fastest possible timeframes. There will be a lot to learn along the way but whilst this is just the beginning, the ambition will be to ensure this opportunity acts as a catalyst for continued uptake of electric Heavy Goods Vehicles and more broadly, commercial vehicle electrification now, and long into the future.”

Richard Holden MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Roads and Local Transport, said; “Freight and logistics are the beating heart of our economy and it is only right that we celebrate the sector so that it gets the recognition and support it deserves. From boosting zero emission tech across freight to attracting the future generation of talent to the industry, we are working hard to drive innovation, create jobs and grow the economy by building a brighter, more innovative future for one of our most crucial industries.”