Gridserve has announced it will head up the development of a new network of high-powered charging sites for electric HGVs at motorway service areas, truck stops and commercial depots.
The ‘Electric Freightway’ project, which consists of 33 partner and member companies, will get additional funding 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 scheme also includes more than 10 commercial depot charging locations for eHGVs.
A total of more than 200 chargers capable of delivering 350kW will be installed, and there will be an initial trial of two 1-megawatt-capacity chargers.
About 140 eHGVs will initially be brought into fleets by UK-based companies – both multi-nationals and small businesses – to use the new network.
Data collection will run for five years to collate insights into the electrification of eHGVs.
In addition, Gridserve will develop, deliver and operate the eHGV charging hubs at the motorway service areas as well as the commercial depot charging offerings.
Sam Clarke, Chief Vehicle Officer at Gridserve, said: “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.”
