The foundations are being laid for a network of eHGV public charging hubs across the country after Gridserve said it had commenced construction at Baldock and Exeter services.
In total, seven charging locations will be constructed as part of the Electric Freightway programme, funded in part through the government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
Gridserve said the selected sites focused on key logistics routes that are already well-used by lorries.
The first hubs are being built at Extra Baldock at junction 10 of the A1(M) and Moto Exeter at junction 30 of the M5.
These first eHGV hubs will feature between four and eight high power charging bays and Gridserve said a swept-path analysis had been conducted to ensure drivers could navigate the charging lanes safely.
Daniel Kunkel, Gridserve CEO, said: “We are thrilled to lead the Electric Freightway project, a consortium dedicated to building out EV infrastructure and synchronising the development of an electric truck fleet.
“This initiative is crucial for the decarbonisation of the heavy goods sector and a vital step towards achieving net zero.”
Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather added: “With charging hubs in the right places, the industry can drive towards a zero-emission future with confidence.
“Our £200 million programme is delivering over 360 bays across the UK and combined with £30 million to support HGV, van, and coach operators install chargers at their depots, we’re backing businesses to cut their emissions and supporting cleaner, greener supply chains.”
The first public charging hubs are expected to open this winter.
