Construction Underway for UK’s Largest Electric HGV Charging Site at Tilbury by Fleete
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Fleete, a front-runner in electric fleet charging, has begun work on what is expected to become the UK’s largest commercial vehicle EV charging hub. Located at the Port of Tilbury, the site will serve as a shared facility for HGVs, with operations projected to commence by the end of 2025.
This milestone marks the first project supported by government seed funding via the Thames Freeport programme — an initiative focused on advancing clean transport solutions critical to the port’s journey towards net zero.
Thanks to a £1 million investment through the Freeport fund, Fleete is building a 5MW charging station fitted with 16 rapid chargers, capable of serving up to 16 electric HGVs simultaneously. The project is designed to promote cleaner air, support the green economy, and open up new commercial opportunities through decarbonised logistics.
Situated along the vital A13 route into London, the new hub will help manage increased commercial traffic stemming from wider Freeport developments, while ensuring sustainable infrastructure keeps pace.
As the busiest Thames port, Tilbury handles over 10,000 daily vehicle movements and hosts more than 60 fleet-based businesses, including prominent hauliers and logistics operators. However, the port currently faces several obstacles in reducing transport emissions — from restricted grid capacity to space limitations.
Fleete’s high-capacity hub aims to overcome these hurdles by delivering a dependable, scalable charging option tailored to commercial fleets.
The site will include:
12 high-speed Heliox charging units, each offering up to 360 kW for rapid HGV charging
4 advanced chargers under the Voltempo™ HyperCharging system, supported through the eFREIGHT 2030 initiative
Smart energy systems to ensure fair distribution of power across tenant fleets
Easy access for vehicles operating within or travelling through Tilbury
Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer at Fleete, stated: “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…”
“At Fleete we are committed to overcoming the logistical and financial challenges of fleet electrification… This investment is a crucial step in building a net-zero logistics ecosystem and ensuring that the businesses in and around the Port of Tilbury have the resources they need to transition to cleaner transport alternatives.”
Alex Norris, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, said: “I am incredibly pleased to see the progress Fleete has made with the help of £1 million of capital funding from the Freeports programme… The new hub marks an important step forward for Thames Freeport’s vision of becoming a leader in green transport…”
Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the Port of Tilbury, added: “The Port of Tilbury EV Charging Hub will be a welcome addition to support the 6,000 HGVs that pass through the port every day, as we work to reduce the emissions impact of our customers’ operations.”
Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the largest commercial vehicle recharging hub in the Thames Freeport… This hub is a testament to our vision of creating a future-ready, environmentally responsible logistics ecosystem.”