TL;DR
The UK is rapidly expanding its electric HGV charging infrastructure, with key players like GRIDSERVE, BP Pulse, and Shell Recharge leading the charge. These companies are developing high-powered charging hubs at motorways, depots, and logistics sites, backed by significant investment and government support. Their innovative approaches, including solar integration, AI-driven energy management, and scalable fleet solutions, are shaping the future of zero-emission freight transport.
Paua assesses the UK companies powering the future of electric HGV charging
As the UK accelerates its transition to zero-emission transport, the electrification of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) presents a unique challenge. Unlike passenger EVs, HGVs require significantly larger charging sites with high-powered infrastructure capable of delivering hundreds of kilowatts or even megawatt-level charging speeds.
Given the size and weight of these vehicles, charging must be strategically located at motorway service areas, logistics hubs, and depots to support efficient long-haul operations.
Several companies are stepping up to develop networks that will support the future of electric freight.
As a market leading EV charge card Paua anticipates working with many of these companies in the coming years.
Paua's research team has taken a look at the key players shaping this space.
GRIDSERVE
- Planned UK Sites: Part of the ‘Electric Freightway’ project, GRIDSERVE is rolling out high-powered charging locations across motorways, truck stops, and commercial depots.
- Funding & Backing: Recently secured £62.7 million in government funding through Innovate UK and the Department for Transport. Partnered with Hitachi ZeroCarbon
- Company Heritage: Founded in 2017, GRIDSERVE is well known for pioneering the UK’s first electric forecourts and developing solar-powered EV charging solutions. Their adoption of the electric highway, from Ecotricity, and subsequent upgrade, has positioned them well for a high powered network on Britains roads.
- Unique Approach: Integrating solar energy generation with battery storage to provide sustainable and reliable HGV charging solutions. The existing relationship on highway networks. And signifcant Government funded financial backing
Aegis Energy
- Planned UK Sites: Targeting 30 green refuelling hubs by 2030, with the first five confirmed in Sheffield, Warrington, Immingham, Corby, and Towcester (target completion by 2027).
- Funding & Backing: Recently secured £100 million in private investment (from Qinbrook Infrastructure Partners) to fund initial site development.
- Company Heritage: A relatively new business but rapidly growing, focusing on multi-energy refuelling solutions (including HVO, hydrogen and biomethane).
- Unique Approach: Unlike competitors, Aegis offers a mix of charging / refuelling solutions, including electric, biofuels, and plans for hydrogen refuelling in the future.
EO Charging
- Planned UK Sites: Primarily focused on fleet depot charging rather than public HGV charging, but poised to expand its solutions.
- Funding & Backing: Remains privately held and continues securing strategic investments (latesr round of $80m in 2023).
- Company Heritage: A British-founded company with a strong presence in fleet electrification for major logistics operators like Amazon and DHL.
- Unique Approach: Offers modular, scalable charging solutions tailored to fleet operators transitioning to electric trucks.
BP Pulse
- Planned UK Sites: Predominantly focused in Europe so far with 8 locations with 300kW charging. It is anticipated that UK locations will follow. BP Pulse's car and van experience with ultra-fast charging stands it in good stead for HGV-specific chargers across the UK.
- Funding & Backing: Significant investment from BP's broader electrification strategy.
- Company Heritage: A subsidiary of BP, one of the world’s largest energy companies.
- Unique Approach: Expanding both public charging hubs and dedicated fleet depot solutions. Experience of truck refuelling in Europe as well as ownership of truck stops increases the knowledge of the required solutions
Shell Recharge
- Planned UK Sites: Already has a site at Markham Moor and is investing in and expanding ultra-fast charging hubs.
- Funding & Backing: Backed by Shell’s extensive global resources and investments in EV charging infrastructure.
- Company Heritage: A division of Shell, leveraging its existing fuel station network to support EV adoption.
- Unique Approach: Focused on integrating charging into existing refuelling stations for seamless fleet transitions. Truck refuelling experience is an advantage.
E.On Drive
- Planned UK Sites: Partnering with commercial fleet operators to deploy depot-based and public charging stations. Announced partnership with MAN trucks for eHGV charging
- Funding & Backing: Backed by E.On’s energy transition investment.
- Company Heritage: Part of E.On, a major European energy provider with expertise in grid infrastructure.
- Unique Approach: Prioritises grid-friendly, scalable fleet charging solutions
Milence
- Planned UK Sites: Targeting major freight corridors across Europe, including the UK. First announced sites at Immingham and Kent
- Funding & Backing: A joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and Traton Group (Scania & MAN).
- Company Heritage: A newly established entity formed to accelerate zero-emission trucking infrastructure.
- Unique Approach: Focuses on dedicated HGV charging sites with ultra-fast megawatt-level chargers.
Leap 24
- Planned UK Sites: Expanding its fast-charging hubs across the UK and Europe. First UK site at Verwood near Bournemouth open in June 2024.
- Funding & Backing: Secured private investment to scale operations.
- Company Heritage: A European charging network provider focused on commercial vehicle charging.
- Unique Approach: Specialises in strategically located sites for high-usage commercial vehicles.
Pragma Charge
- Planned UK Sites: Developing dedicated logistics park charging hubs. First site operational in MercaValencia, Spain.
- Funding & Backing: Supported by venture capital investment.
- Company Heritage: A UK-based start-up innovating in fleet-focused charging solutions.
- Unique Approach: Integrates smart energy management and renewable energy sources.
EuroGarage Group
- Planned UK Sites: A first motorway located site at Rivington services on the M61.
- Funding & Backing: A well-funded European fuel and charging infrastructure provider.
- Company Heritage: Known for operating large-scale forecourts and services for fleets.
- Unique Approach: Expanding into EV charging while maintaining fuel station services.
AW Group (Arnold White Energy)
- Planned UK Sites: First UK site at Leighton Buzzard co-located with an onsite wind turbine.
- Funding & Backing: Privately backed infrastructure investment.
- Company Heritage: A UK-based energy company focused on sustainable solutions.
- Unique Approach: Integrates renewables and storage with HGV charging.
Voltloader
- Planned UK Sites: Developing truck charging sites at agricultural locations. Mostly semi-private locations to support their own haulage operations.
- Funding & Backing: Privately funded start-up.
- Company Heritage: A niche provider in rural and agricultural EV charging.
- Unique Approach: Supports logistics and freight operators in remote locations.
VEV
- Planned UK Sites: Rolling out fleet-focused charging hubs. Anticipated growth into truck charging
- Funding & Backing: Backed by a mix of private investment and corporate partnerships. Predominantly Vitol.
- Company Heritage: A UK-based charging solutions provider. Owned and financed by Vitol
- Unique Approach: Delivers managed services alongside hardware and infrastructure.
Helix Renewables
- Planned UK Sites: Targeting energy-efficient freight charging.
- Funding & Backing: Supported by clean energy investors.
- Company Heritage: Specialises in renewable-integrated charging solutions.
- Unique Approach: Focuses on low-carbon energy supply for transport electrification.
The Future of HGV Charging in the UK
While the infrastructure for electric HGVs is still in its early stages, these companies are leading the charge. Paua compiled this list of truck charging networks to showcase what the future may hold.
With significant investments, government-backed initiatives, and innovative solutions, the UK is laying the groundwork for a zero-emission freight sector. As these projects take shape, we can expect a transformative shift in how heavy goods transportis powered in the coming years.
All new trucks on the road are expected to be zero emissions by 2040. The infrastrucutre will be required to support this.
Are you an EV fleet operator looking to navigate thetransition to electric? Stay tuned for more insights into the evolving charging landscape. All courtey of the UK's leading EV charge card provider; Paua.
