Milence Starts Construction on the UK's First Heavy Goods Vehicle Charging Hub
First published onLondon EV Show ↗
02 August, 2024: Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the Traton Group, and the Volvo Group, has officially commenced construction on its inaugural heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charging hub in the United Kingdom. This ambitious project marks the first of its kind in the UK, aiming to transform the landscape of sustainable logistics.
The charging hub, strategically positioned in Immingham on the east coast of England, is set to begin operations in November this year, with the first phase of construction expected to be completed by then. This pioneering facility will be situated on Able Humber Port (AHP), a 311-hectare deep-water offshore wind and renewable energy port. The port's expansive infrastructure, including over 1,000 metres of planned heavy-duty quays developed on 43.1 hectares of riverbed, offers ideal conditions for the hub's operations.
Located with convenient access to major motorways, including the M180, M18, and M1, the hub will support distribution routes across the UK and provide a crucial connection to the European market. This strategic location aligns with Milence’s vision of enhancing green logistics and supporting the transition to sustainable transport solutions.
Peter Stephenson, Founder and Executive Chairman of AHP (Able Humber Port) stated in the company’s press release, “We are delighted to be welcoming Milence to Able Humber Port to develop one of the first electric charging HGV hubs in the UK. This is an exciting step forward in supporting the decarbonising of the Humber Ports and assisting Able Humber Port and the region transition towards net zero.”
Despite comprising only 1% of vehicles on British roads, HGVs are significant contributors to transport emissions, responsible for 20% of the country's transport-related carbon footprint. In response to this challenge, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has committed £200 million in funding, alongside Innovate UK, to bolster low carbon freight transport infrastructure.
In the company’s press release, Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, highlighted the importance of the new hub, stating, “Expanding into the UK with our first charging hub in Immingham represents a significant milestone for Milence. This strategic location not only enhances our ability to support the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions but also aligns with our commitment to driving the future of green logistics across Europe.”
The Immingham hub will initially feature four high-performance combined charging systems, providing power to eight bays. This infrastructure is set against the backdrop of the Humber region’s broader green initiatives, including the Zero Carbon Humber project, which received over £21 million from the government’s £1 billion Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Additionally, the Humber Zero project, also based in Immingham, has been awarded £12 million for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen hub.
As the UK forges ahead with its decarbonisation goals, Milence’s new hub represents a significant leap towards a greener future for HGV transport, setting a precedent for sustainable logistics in the region.
