Fleete has started construction on what is believed to be the largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub in the UK.

The shared facility, located in the Port of Tilbury, is on track for completion in December 2025.

The project marks the first works funded by the UK Government under the Thames Freeport seed capital programme, a key initiative advancing clean energy technology as part of the Port of Tilbury's drive toward net zero emissions. With £1 million in Freeport seed capital funding, Fleete is developing a 5 megawatt (MW) electric commercial vehicle charging station featuring 16 rapid chargers, capable of serving up to 16 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) simultaneously.

This investment is set to accelerate the green energy transition at the Port of Tilbury, improve air quality for local communities, and support businesses as they capitalize on new opportunities in sustainable transport. Serving as a vital 'clean fuel' charging point along the A13 corridor into London, the facility is designed to meet rising traffic demands driven by major developments within the Thames Freeport programme.

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The Port of Tilbury, the largest of the Thames ports, is a critical hub for transportation and logistics with over 10,000 vehicle movements recorded daily. With more than 60 companies, including major hauliers and container transporters, registered as tenants, the need for sustainable transport solutions is urgent as the port faces challenges in decarbonising heavy transport due to infrastructure limitations, land availability, and grid capacity.

Fleete's new EV Charging Hub aims to overcome these barriers by providing a reliable, high-capacity charging solution tailored for large fleet operators. The facility will feature 12 ultra-fast chargers, each delivering up to 360 kW of power and optimised for heavy goods vehicles, supplied by Heliox, alongside 4 chargers via the Voltempo™ HyperCharging Megawatt Charging System funded through the eFREIGHT 2030 project. Intelligent energy management systems will ensure the fair and efficient sharing of grid capacity among Port of Tilbury tenants, while also providing accessible EV charging for fleets operating in and passing through the area.

Chris Morrison, Chief Investment Officer at Fleete, said: "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. Our close collaboration with the Port of Tilbury, along with significant funding from Thames Freeport, is a testament to their commitment to accelerating the shift to zero-emission fleets with this critical infrastructure development.

"At Fleete we are committed to overcoming the logistical and financial challenges of fleet electrification through our shared infrastructure hubs and software platform that make sustainable transport more accessible and cost-effective. 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."