Motorway services operator Moto is rolling out a national network of 300 electric HGV charging bays across 23 strategically located superhubs by 2030, writes Carol Millett.
The first phase will see 15 eHGV superhubs established on key routes by the end of 2027.
Construction of the first two eHGV superhubs at Exeter and Tamworth is planned to start in April, following recent planning approval.
The superhubs are expected to provide capacity for up to 5,000 eHGVs, significantly reducing emissions by more than 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year, the equivalent of planting over twenty million trees.
Moto’s CEO, Ken McMeikan, said: “Just as we have done for passenger cars, where we now have over 1000 EV charging bays, Moto will lead the way in creating a sustainable, accessible, and reliable charging network for trucks and lorries.
“Our eHGV superhubs will support the decarbonisation of the transportation network, a key part of the energy transition. This critical infrastructure will unlock electric freight growth for the UK economy.”
Moto pointed to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Seventh Carbon Budget, released last week, which highlighted the necessity of upgrading the UK’s grid infrastructure to facilitate the transition to low-carbon energy and transportation systems.
The company pledged that, with the logistics industry under increasing pressure to decarbonise, the company will work with industry partners and government to create the new network, enabling fleet operators to meet environmental targets while keeping the nation’s supply chains moving.
While 77% of goods are transported via the road network[, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) last month showed demand for zero emission trucks had fallen last year, by 7.3% to just 217 units. Increasing the supply of eHGV chargers will increase demand for eHGVs.
During 2024, EV car drivers had used Moto’s charging facilities over two million times, powering 135 million miles of journeys.
The company added: “As the first motorway services operator to deliver over 1,000 EV charging bays, with a further 250 – 300 planned for 2025, Moto remains at the forefront of the UK’s motorway journey towards a cleaner and greener transport system.
“This latest move with HGVs signals Moto’s commitment to playing a central role in the UK’s transition to a more sustainable future, reinforcing its role in achieving the country’s net-zero targets.
“The eHGV network promises to set a new benchmark for sustainable transport solutions, paving the way for a cleaner future for the UK’s logistics industry.”
