New megawatt charging technology for electric trucks is to be installed across the motorway network by BP Pulse and Moto.

The rollout will begin with three motorway service areas: Lymm, Toddington North, and Toddington South.

Six pull-through bays equipped with megawatt charging system (MCS) chargers will be installed at each site, with the first site planned to go live during 2026.

The chargers, compatible with both CCS and MCS standards, are designed to accommodate a wide range of electric trucks.

Jo Hayward, vice president, BP mobility and convenience retail, said: “We’re committed to helping fleet operators transition to EV trucks and that means delivering the infrastructure they need where they need it.

“Our partnership with Moto is a perfect fit. The team shares our focus on making electric truck charging as convenient as possible for our customers and providing them with a brilliant experience.

“Together, we’re making it easier for fleet managers to keep their electric trucks moving with less downtime, lower emissions and a clear path to an electric future.”

The project will focus on the UK’s primary motorway corridors, supporting BP’s aim to build a publicly accessible network of multi-energy truck hubs across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes.

BP launched its first European e-truck corridor launched across six sites, spanning a 600km stretch of the Rhine-Alpine corridor, in January 2023. 

Moto plans to install up to 300 charging bays for electric HGVs at 23 strategic locations by 2030. 

Moto’s CEO, Ken McMeikan, said: “I am really excited about our plans with bp to provide electric charging stations for heavy goods vehicles.

“At Moto, we’re committed to leading the way in enabling the UK’s electric mobility. By partnering with BP Pulse, we are delivering the infrastructure and innovation electric fleets need, making our vision for long-haul electrification more practical and accessible.”

The collaboration between Moto and BP Pulse also complements BP’s acquisition of one of Europe’s largest truck stops in Ashford, Kent, where plans are underway to introduce EV charging for HGVs.

Nigel Head, vice president for European E-Truck at BP Pulse, said: “This is a natural next step in our ambition to support fleets as they transition to electric trucks.

“We’ve proven in Germany that this model works, and now we’re applying that same expertise to the UK.

“Moto’s locations offer an ideal foundation, with strong motorway access and a customer base that will serve both UK and European freight operators.”

The previous Government introduced a phase out date for diesel trucks, aiming to eliminate those weighing 26 tonnes or less by 2035 and all heavier trucks by 2040.

In March, the Department for Transport (DfT) stopped short of confirming that the deadlines would be changed for HGVs, but told Fleet News it is considering what regulations are appropriate and would “engage the sector on any future regulatory approach in due course”.

Source:Fleet News