UK Accelerates Green Freight with New Charging Hubs and Fleet Upgrades

Welcome to Net Zero News, your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.

In recent weeks the UK freight and logistics sector has witnessed a surge in decarbonisation initiatives, from groundbreaking public charging infrastructure to significant fleet electrification and government incentives. These developments underscore growing momentum in delivering a net‑zero freight network.

The Government has injected a further £18 million into the Plug‑in Truck Grant, extending support for businesses until March 2026. Operators of new electric trucks can now access discounts of up to £120,000, depending on vehicle size. Small trucks (4.25‑12t) could receive up to £20,000, mid‑sized trucks up to £60,000, larger up to £80,000, and the heaviest lorries up to £120,000. This builds on a larger £318 million green freight funding package and offers much‑needed cost relief for companies making the switch.

These financial incentives come at a pivotal moment as infrastructure begins catching up. GRIDSERVE’s “Electric Freightway” initiative has launched the UK’s first publicly accessible motorway eHGV charging hubs at Extra Baldock and Moto Exeter. Funded through the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme and led by a consortium of 25 industry players, these hubs are the first of seven planned for 2026.

Meanwhile, Wincanton has welcomed its first 24 electric trucks supplied by DAF, Volvo, and Renault to its fleet as part of a wider net‑zero journey. These HGVs, operating across key depots, are expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 2,400 tonnes annually. The rollout is supported by new depot-based charging at several strategic sites including Greenford, Portbury, Scotland Gateway Hub near Glasgow, and The WEB in Northamptonshire.

The commercial vehicle sector is also advancing clean fuel infrastructure. Aegis Energy has secured significant backing to launch the UK’s first multi-energy refuelling hubs tailored to commercial fleets. With £100 million pledged by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, Aegis plans an initial network of five hubs by end of 2027, with rollout beginning in early 2026 across locations such as Sheffield, Immingham, Warrington, Corby, and Towcester. These hubs will support electric, hydrogen, HVO, bio‑CNG, and other low‑carbon fuels, with capacity for 40+ HGVs and 25+ vans, aiming to reduce emissions by approximately 14,300 tonnes annually per site.

Further enhancing the industry’s sustainable infrastructure, Fleete has started construction of a flagship 5MW shared‑use EV charging hub at the Port of Tilbury. Supported with £1 million in seed capital from the Thames Freeport programme, the hub will feature 16 rapid chargers and is scheduled to open in December 2025. Strategically located, it will serve large fleet operations across the Thames estuary and beyond.

The private sector is demonstrating leadership as well. Marks & Spencer has deployed 85 zero‑ or low‑emission vehicles in its logistics operations, including five battery electric HGVs operating between its Welham Green distribution centre and stores across London and the South East. These vehicles, delivered via the eFREIGHT 2030 programme under ZEHID, replace diesel equivalents and feed into the retailer’s Plan A net‑zero commitment.

Royal Mail is also enhancing its zero‑emission fleet. In December 2025, it deployed eight DAF 42‑tonne XD 350E electric HGVs for middle‑mile deliveries between parcel hubs. These vehicles, supported by high‑speed ABB chargers at Daventry and Warrington hubs, are expected to cut around 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The move supports Royal Mail’s broader net‑zero goal, underpinned by the Electric Freightway’s public charging network and Data collected over the programme’s five‑year duration will feed into future decarbonisation efforts.

Overall, these recent developments signal a powerful shift in the UK logistics sector, where public funding, infrastructure deployment, and fleet electrification combine to accelerate the transition to zero‑emission freight.

What this means:

Businesses now have unprecedented support to electrify fleet operations, reducing both carbon emissions and operating costs. Public infrastructure is rising to meet demand with accessible eHGV charging hubs and multi‑energy refuelling stations. The early adopters in retail and postal services are proving electric freight works at scale. Collectively, these efforts reinforce the UK’s leadership in low‑carbon logistics and move the sector closer to a truly net‑zero future.

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