Logistics firm Kuehne+Nagel and truck charging network specialist Milence have come together to demonstrate the advantages of electric road freight.
Kuehne+Nagel’s new electric HGVs are using Milence’s first UK charging hub, located in Immingham, as they collect loads from the Able Humber Port.
Charging currently takes around one to 2.5 hours for a full charge, using the high-performance 400 kW CCS chargers.
A megawatt charger will be added in the near future, reducing the charging time to 30-45 minutes, depending on battery size, vehicle specifications and truck type.
Kuehne+Nagel and Milence will also exchange operational information to, for example, determine strategic locations for charging hubs.
The partnership said the collaboration aims to shift the focus on the possibilities, rather than the limitations, of electric trucks, which it believes is crucial to engage more stakeholders in investing in the technology and accelerating electrification globally.
Kuehne+Nagel, as a participant in the UK government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Programme (Zehid), has been feeding back real-world data and learnings since the electric heavy-duty trucks arrived earlier this year, on issues such as driver’s experiences, key telematics data, and total cost of ownership, to help increase confidence in the technology.
Kate Broome, Kuehne+Nagel UK sustainability and social impact director, said affordable and accessible public charging infrastructure remains crucial for accelerating the shift to electric heavy-duty trucking.
She added: “Alongside supportive measures to scale depot charging – such as faster access to grid connections and enabling policy measures – we also need high-performance, reliable and cost-effective public charging hubs.
“We’re proud to be among the early adopters using Milence’s hub, proving that electric heavy trucks are not just the future – they’re already here.”
Roel Vissers, Milence CCO said: “Electric road transport is no longer a future ambition – it’s happening now. With over 20 operational hubs across Europe, our first green corridors are emerging and the shift to sustainable logistics is gaining momentum.
“To scale this transformation, utilisation is key. At Milence, we collaborate closely with key stakeholders across the transport sector. Partnerships with pioneers like Kuehne+Nagel are essential to shaping the infrastructure and services the industry needs.
“Our hubs are designed as safe, comfortable charging stops that support both drivers and fleets on their electric journeys.
“The transition won’t happen overnight – but by working together, we’re moving closer to a road transport system that is not only sustainable but also economically viable.”
