🕒 Article read time: 3 minutes
Thames’ biggest port launches new commercial vehicle charging hub
Fleete has unveiled its first major project in the UK with the development of a dedicated commercial vehicle rapid electric charging hub, believed to be the largest in the country.
Located at the Port of Tilbury, Fleete is pioneering a 5MW shared-user charging hub approach for the 60-plus companies with commercial vehicle fleets registered as tenants at the port, including major hauliers and container transporters. It will also be available to HGV fleets operating around or passing through the port.
The project – which has now commenced construction - is the first works funded by the UK government under the Thames Freeport seed capital programme, which advances clean energy technology crucial to the Port of Tilbury’s drive toward net-zero emissions.
The £1 million seed funding awarded to Fleete will develop an electric commercial vehicle charging station featuring 16 rapid chargers for simultaneous HGV use. This investment accelerates Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, improving local air quality while helping businesses capitalise on sustainable transport opportunities, driving economic growth and creating jobs.
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Stephanie Haszczyn commented: “Fleete’s announcement that they are launching a new shared commercial vehicle charging hub is welcome news for the logistics sector and a positive sign that the government is looking to support operators with the transition to net zero.
"This kind of development is essential to ensure that the lack of charging infrastructure is not a barrier to our members who want to decarbonise. The role that high traffic areas like ports will play in providing this infrastructure cannot be understated.
“In addition, Logistics UK would like to see government backing for a dedicated HGV public charging infrastructure for electric trucks, to make mid and long-haul viable, as well as a dedicated HGV public hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.”
Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer at Fleete commented on the announcement: “We are delighted to begin work on the first of our network of shared electric HGV Charging Hubs throughout the UK, starting with our 5MW project at Tilbury which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK once fully operational.
“Our close collaboration with the Port of Tilbury, along with significant funding from Thames Freeport, is a testament to their commitment to accelerating the shift to zero-emission fleets with this critical infrastructure development.”
Serving as a vital ‘clean fuel’ charging point along the A13 corridor into London, the new facility will meet rising traffic demands from major developments within the Thames Freeport programme.
The largest of the Thames ports, the Port of Tilbury is a key location for major transportation and logistics operations with an estimated 3,000 – 6,000 HGVs passing through the port each day.
With over 60 companies with commercial vehicle fleets registered as tenants at the port, including major hauliers and container transporters, the demand for sustainable transport solutions is more urgent than ever. Currently it faces key challenges in decarbonising heavy transport including infrastructure limitations, land availability, and grid capacity.
Fleete’s new EV Charging Hub directly addresses these barriers to fleet electrification, providing a reliable, high-capacity charging solution.
Strategically designed and located for large fleet operators, the Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will feature:
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12 ultra-fast chargers each capable of delivering up to 360 kW of power, optimised for heavy goods vehicles and commercial fleets, supplied by Heliox; and four chargers via the Voltempo™ HyperCharging Megawatt Charging System funded through the eFREIGHT 2030 project.
Published On: 24/07/2025 14:00:00
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