GRIDSERVE has started constructing its first public electric HGV charging hubs, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner road freight. These new locations form the foundation of the Electric Freightway – a nationwide programme designed to give fleet operators access to high-power public charging designed specifically for electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs).
With the first hubs underway at Extra Baldock (J10, A1(M)) and Moto Exeter (J30, M5), the project signals a turning point in how logistics companies can electrify their fleets with confidence.
Electric HGV charging: powering the future of freight
Heavy goods vehicles make up only 5% of those on the road but account for nearly 20% of transport emissions in the UK. Until now, one of the biggest barriers to electrification in this space has been the lack of suitable public charging infrastructure.
GRIDSERVE is changing that. By designing hubs specifically for electric HGVs, it is enabling hauliers, logistics providers and commercial fleet operators to move away from diesel and towards a zero-emission future.
What to expect at an Electric Freightway hub
The new hubs are being built with the real-world needs of freight operators in mind. Each site will include:
-
Four to eight ultra-rapid charging bays capable of delivering high power to large battery vehicles
-
Drive-through design for articulated lorries and trailers, eliminating the need for reversing or awkward positioning
-
Swept-path and manoeuvrability planning to ensure safe, efficient access for HGVs
-
Wider bays and clear signage to suit commercial vehicle layouts
-
Secure facilities, including lighting, sensors, walkways and CCTV
By focusing on accessibility and safety, these sites will support efficient EV charging for electric lorries without disrupting fleet schedules.
Where to find electric HGV charging hubs in the UK
The first two Electric Freightway hubs are being built at:
-
Extra Baldock: Just off the A1(M), Junction 10. Ideal for fleets moving between London, the Midlands and the North.
-
Moto Exeter: Located on the M5 at Junction 30. Serves the South West freight corridor, including Devon and Cornwall.
More sites are in planning stages, with five additional public charging hubs for HGVs expected to be opened in the coming months.
Government-backed infrastructure for fleet electrification
The Electric Freightway is being delivered as part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme. Supported by Innovate UK, the project combines GRIDSERVE’s infrastructure expertise with national funding to accelerate the transition to zero-emission road freight.
GRIDSERVE was selected for the project based on its strong delivery track record, including its award-winning Electric Forecourts® and Electric Highway network.
Designed for the people who keep goods moving
These new hubs aren’t just built for trucks; they’re also designed with driver experience and safety in mind:
-
Drive-through access reduces risk and stress for HGV drivers
-
Elevated screens and connectors suit taller driving positions
-
Wide, marked walkways support safe exit and re-entry
-
Lighting, CCTV, and signage improve site visibility 24/7
By focusing on usability and efficiency, the Electric Freightway will help operators integrate charging into existing workflows.
Why this is a turning point for UK logistics
The Electric Freightway is the first major UK initiative to provide dedicated, public EV charging for commercial freight vehicles. Unlike standard EV chargers, these hubs are:
-
Tailored to heavy vehicles
-
Located at strategic motorway junctions
-
Built for high throughput and minimal downtime
This gives UK-based fleet operators a practical way to meet sustainability targets without sacrificing reliability or performance.
A cleaner road ahead
By making electric HGV charging accessible, scalable and public, GRIDSERVE is helping logistics companies make informed, confident steps towards a net zero future.
The Electric Freightway is about more than infrastructure; it’s about enabling the decarbonisation of a sector that plays a vital role in the UK economy.
With more locations on the way, the transition to electric logistics is no longer a distant goal…it’s happening now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Electric Freightway?
It’s GRIDSERVE’s nationwide network of public ultra-rapid EV charging hubs for electric HGVs, designed to support long-distance freight operators.
Where are the first hubs located?
Extra Baldock (A1(M), J10) and Moto Exeter (M5, J30). Both are key routes for logistics fleets.
When will they open?
The first hubs are expected to be operational by December 2025.
Who are they for?
Commercial fleet operators, hauliers and logistics companies seeking to reduce emissions and run electric HGVs on national routes.
What makes them different from standard EV chargers?
They’re specifically built for HGVs — with drive-through bays, higher power, safety design and better accessibility for larger vehicles.
Is this part of a government initiative?
Yes. The Electric Freightway is part of the ZEHID programme, led by Innovate UK and backed by the UK Government.
Summary
The GRIDSERVE Electric Freightway is setting the standard for the future of electrified logistics in the UK. By building a national public network of eHGV charging hubs, the company is creating the infrastructure foundation needed for a cleaner, more efficient freight system.
With construction underway, the road to net zero for haulage and logistics is no longer theoretical — it’s now being built, one hub at a time.
