GRIDSERVE has announced the opening of the UK’s first public eHGV charging hubs delivered through the Electric Freightway.
A flagship project, funded by the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, the new eHGV hubs at Extra Baldock and Moto Exeter, provide shared, publicly accessible charging infrastructure specifically for eHGVs.
The Electric Freightway is one of four successfully funded programmes and involves a 25-strong consortium of UK hauliers and truck manufacturers.
Led by GRIDSERVE, the programme has made progress in the delivery of ultra-rapid eHGV charging depots, such as the Nissan Manufacturing UK plant. But the launch of Extra Baldock and Moto Exeter represents the first of seven public eHGV charging hubs to open in 2026.
Extra Baldock features six dedicated eHGV charging bays from launch, while Moto Exeter opens with four eHGV 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.
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.
“Over the last five years, the Electric Highway has provided a super-fast and reliable nationwide charging network for electric passenger cars, giving drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric. We hope the Electric Freightway can give fleet managers of the freight sector the same level of confidence.
“We’re proud to be working hand in hand with government, Innovate UK and industry partners to deliver meaningful decarbonisation where it matters most.”
Neale Ryan, Head of Land and Maritime Transport, Innovate UK, said:
“The Electric Freightway exemplifies how public-private collaboration can accelerate innovation and infrastructure deployment.
“By bringing together government funding, industry expertise and real-world trials, the ZEHID programme is helping to showcase that clean freight transport is viable, scalable and ready to deploy.”
Tom Dobson, CEO of Extra, said:
“The opening of the UK’s first public eHGV charging hubs is a watershed moment for electric freight. 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.”
Sam Clarke, Head of eHGV Programme for GRIDSERVE, added:
“A key strength of the Electric Freightway programme has been the consortium of leading hauliers and logistics operators, whose real-world insight have been critical in shaping the design, layout and technical capability of the hubs.
“Their input has helped ensure the infrastructure reflects the operational needs of today’s electric trucks — from vehicle size and manoeuvrability to charging power requirements, dwell times and route planning — making the hubs genuinely fit for purpose.”
UK provider of engineered electrical, automation and mechanical solutions Actemium completed GRIDSERVE’s first hub at the Moto Exeter site.
As principal contractor, Actemium delivered the comprehensive turnkey project through a six-month end-to-end programme, with the on-site construction phase completed in just 15 weeks to meet a demanding schedule.
Actemium designed the infrastructure to aptly support future expansion and increased vehicle demand. Additionally, the units are powered by sustainable energy, aligning with GRIDSERVE’s energy strategy.
Anthony Willis, Sector Manager at Actemium E-Mobility, said:
“The Moto Exeter project draws directly on Actemium’s leading technical experience in the EV and eHGV space. It demonstrates our ability to safely and quickly deliver complex infrastructures.
“Our strong relationship with GRIDSERVE, built over more than five years and the delivery of 40+ EV charging hubs, and our established HGV charging capability were key to our selection for this industry-leading scheme. With the site now successfully handed over, we’re excited to continue rolling out eHGV charging hubs with GRIDSERVE across the UK.”
Simon Birchall, Senior Project Manager at Actemium E-Mobility, added:
“As a first-of-its-kind project, the Moto Exeter eHGV hub presented unique engineering and operational challenges. It involved complex civil works and highways-specification surfacing. Throughout construction, we had to deliver safely within a live motorway service area while maintaining traffic flow and full public access.
“We managed it all successfully through detailed planning, close coordination with GRIDSERVE and Moto, and an uncompromising focus on safety and quality at every stage.”
Image courtesy of GRIDSERVE
