Innovate UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Programme has revealed plans for 54 charging hubs to power zero emission lorries.
From East Kilbridge to Exeter, Tamworth to Tilbury, and Ballymena to Swansea, this infrastructure will span the length and breadth of the UK, with the aim of enabling eHGV charging and hydrogen refuelling.
The network of hubs will be integrated into the road transport system with locations at depots, motorway services and arterial roads across the country.
More than 400 businesses met at the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrations programme summit in London.
Organised by Innovate UK, in partnership with the Department for Transport, the £200m programme will deploy hundreds of zero-emission HGVs alongside a network of charging and fuelling stations to transform the UK’s freight industry.
Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP unveiled the planned locations of 54 new HGV charging hubs, a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of green transport solutions.
Speaking the summit, she said the ZEHID programme was delivering on three key areas: deploying zero-emission HGVs, rolling out infrastructure, and gathering real-world data.
Each hub will be led by one of the four flagship project partnerships which form the Zero Emission HGV and infrastructure programme: Project Electric Freightway, eFREIGHT2030, ZENFreight, and HyHAUL.
Simon Buckley, knowledge transfer manager for Zero Emission Mobility, said: “The announcement of 54 new HGV charging hubs marks a transformative moment for the UK’s freight industry. By strategically placing these hubs across the country, we are addressing one of the biggest barriers to zero-emission HGV adoption; reliable infrastructure.
“This programme not only accelerates the transition to cleaner transport but also strengthens supply chain resilience, ensuring businesses can move goods sustainably without compromising efficiency.”
James Wroath, CEO at Wincanton, said: “We welcome the government’s zero-emissions HGV infrastructure plans, which represent a crucial step towards greener logistics. But while this announcement is great progress, there’s still a long road ahead.
“The logistics and transport sector has a critical part to play in meeting the nation’s net-zero commitments, and the role of electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in achieving this cannot be underestimated. But, until now, range restrictions and lack of charging infrastructure have presented a huge challenge to operating sustainable HGV fleets.
“Despite this announcement, there are still other significant barriers in the adoption of alternative fuels and systems. Cost remains an issue. Our recent research found that just 25% of logistics and supply chain decision makers think alternative fuel vehicles will be affordable within the next four to six years.
“With more than half (54%) of UK logistics and supply chain businesses saying they will struggle to hit their net-zero targets, it’s vital that Government and industry works together at pace to remove cost barriers, accelerate infrastructure roll-out, and provide clear, long-term incentives that give businesses the confidence to invest.”
