UK’s 'first' HGV electric charging hub set to open

What is claimed to be the UK's first public electric charging hub for lorries is set to open in North Lincolnshire later this year.

The hub is being installed at Able Humber Port (AHP) in South Killingholme as part of a decarbonisation initiative to replace existing diesel fleets.

North Lincolnshire Council granted planning consent for the project last June.

The first phase of the project is due to open in November.

The initial phase will include four high-performance charging systems powering eight bays, along with a megawatt charger powering two bays.

The site will also include a rest area providing food and drink.

A second phase would then include additional chargers and more facilities.

Anja van Niersen, chief executive of the developer Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the Traton Group and the Volvo Group, said it was committed to building the largest charging network for HGVs in Europe.

"Expanding into the UK with our first charging hub in Immingham represents a significant milestone," she added.

The Dutch firm said it planned to build and operate at least 1,700 high-performance public charge points in Europe by 2027.

Peter Stephenson, executive chairman of Able Group, added "the UK’s first [HGV} electric charging hub" marked an "exciting step forward" in supporting the decarbonising of the transport industry.

It would also help the region transition to net-zero, he added.

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