Gridserve has opened two electric heavy goods vehicle (eHGV) charging hubs as part of its Electric Freightway network.
The new eHGV hubs at Extra Baldock, located at J10 of the A1(M), and Moto Exeter, located at J30 of the M5, provide shared, publicly accessible charging infrastructure that has been designed specifically for trucks.
Extra Baldock features six dedicated eHGV charging bays from launch, while Moto Exeter opens with four electric truck charging bays.
All feature new safety markings, custom signage to account for the higher HGV driving position and have been designed as drive-through bays that enable all models to plug in, regardless of charge port location.
A swept-path analysis has also been conducted to ensure drivers can navigate charging lanes safely, while wide walkways, lighting, sensors and CCTV have also been considered to ensure drivers can safely walk between vehicles, chargers and the service area facilities.
The Electric Freightway project is funded by the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, to support and accelerate the adoption of zero emission HGVs.
Gridserve is due to open further eHGV charging sites at Tamworth, Thurrock, Leeds, Chester and Strensham North later this year.
Daniel Kunkel, CEO of Gridserve, said, “The Electric Freightway shows that zero emission freight is no longer a future ambition but a live, operational reality.
“With the help of our consortium partners, we’re now proving that electric HGVs can run real routes at real scale, using shared public infrastructure.”
Tom Dobson, CEO of Extra, said, “Extra is committed to supporting the decarbonisation of this crucial sector, and we look forward to working with Gridserve to deliver a network of strategically located, high-power public eHGV charging hubs that enable electric trucks to operate in a sustainable manner.”
