Moto and BP Pulse Team Up for Freight Transition

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In a significant stride towards a greener future for freight and logistics in the UK, motorway services operator Moto has joined forces with the electric charging firm bp pulse. This exciting collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for heavy goods transport, marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey towards net zero emissions.

The partnership plans to introduce high-powered electric truck charging stations at three key motorway service areas: Lymm, Toddington North, and Toddington South. These strategically chosen sites will serve as the cornerstone of a broader initiative to establish a robust charging infrastructure across major UK routes, facilitating the efficient electrification of the freight sector.

Each of the three locations will feature six pull-through bays equipped with the innovative megawatt charging system (MCS) chargers. These state-of-the-art chargers are fully compatible with both CCS and MCS standards, ensuring they can accommodate a wide range of electric trucks. This compatibility is crucial for fostering a seamless transition to electric-powered logistics, as it enables various fleet operators to adopt EV technology without the worry of infrastructure limitations.

By facilitating ultra-fast charging capabilities at scale, this new technology promises to significantly reduce downtime for logistics fleets, enhancing overall operational efficiency. The first of these sites is set to go live in 2026, paving the way for a new era of electric freight transport.

Central to this initiative is a focus on the UK’s primary motorway corridors, which will support bp’s ambition to create a publicly accessible network of multi-energy truck hubs along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes. These hubs will not only cater to the rising demand for electric truck charging but will also aid operators in managing their total cost of ownership. By combining powerful charging infrastructure with conveniently located service areas that offer high-quality amenities, Moto is positioning itself as a leader in electric vehicle infrastructure.

The new charging hubs will also be instrumental for electric trucks entering the UK from across Europe. bp’s fuel and charge card will allow for seamless payment solutions, ensuring that cross-border logistics are as streamlined and efficient as possible. This initiative builds on bp’s recent success, having launched its first European e-truck corridor in January 2023. This corridor spans six sites across a 600km stretch of the Rhine-Alpine route, demonstrating bp’s commitment to expanding its electric transport network.

Moreover, bp operates one of the largest public truck charging networks in Germany, boasting 25 e-truck sites that provide thousands of charging sessions each day. This experience will be invaluable as the partnership with Moto unfolds in the UK, bringing proven strategies and operational expertise to the forefront of the British market.

Looking ahead, Moto has ambitious plans to install up to 300 charging bays for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across 23 strategic locations by 2030. This commitment underscores their dedication to supporting the transition to electric mobility within the logistics sector.

Ken McMeikan, CEO of Moto, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, stating, “I am really excited about our plans with bp to provide electric charging stations for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). 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.”

Jo Hayward, Vice President of bp Mobility & Convenience Retail, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership as a pivotal move for fleet operators. “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.”

Nigel Head, Vice President of European E-Truck at bp pulse, further emphasised the importance of this initiative. “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.”

This partnership between Moto and bp pulse signals an important development in the UK’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable transport solutions. As the logistics industry adapts to the growing need for electric vehicles, the establishment of robust charging infrastructure is vital. The strategic locations chosen for these charging hubs will ensure that heavy goods vehicles can operate efficiently, reducing their carbon footprint while meeting the needs of modern logistics.

The introduction of high-powered charging facilities not only reflects the changing landscape of the transport sector but also showcases the commitment of key players to embrace innovative solutions. As more logistics companies begin to invest in electric trucks, the ability to quickly and conveniently recharge will play a crucial role in their operational success.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Moto and bp pulse marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of electric mobility in the UK. By working together to create a comprehensive network of charging stations, they are setting the stage for a more sustainable future for freight and logistics. As we move towards a net-zero future, partnerships like this will be essential in driving forward the transition to electric transport and achieving the ambitious climate goals set for the coming decades.

Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking initiative and the ongoing efforts to promote electric mobility across the UK.

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