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The e-fleet solutions provider VEV is collaborating with Maritime Transport to install 17 high-powered electric truck chargers at three Maritime sites. Maritime is a UK integrated road and rail freight logistics leader. VEV is providing the following for the truck charger installation project:
- end-to-end site design
- infrastructure development
- software integration
- charger maintenance
- ongoing fleet analysis
The information below uses the acronym HGV, which means a heavy goods vehicle, also known as an articulated lorry or tractor trailer. VEV’s charger installation work will help when battery-electric HGVs are introduced into Maritime’s fleet later this year.
VEV’s CEO, Mike Nakrani, answered some questions about the new chargers for CleanTechnica.
How many high-powered electric truck chargers are being installed, and where?
We’re installing a total of 17 high-powered electric truck chargers across three strategic locations. The installations are now in advanced stages of build at Mill Lane in Wakefield and London Distribution Park in Tilbury, with works due to commence shortly at iPort in Doncaster. These are the first sites in Maritime’s network to be electrified for zero-emission HGV operations, with commissioning set to conclude in May.
Why were those specific locations chosen for the charging sites?
Site selection was driven primarily by power availability to support the first phase of Maritime’s charging rollout. It’s critical to begin your electrification journey at sites with sufficient existing power capacity, and this is where VEV’s expertise adds significant value – we make the best use of available power through future-proofed, optimised site design. Our analysis helps determine the most efficient locations to start an electrification programme while ensuring operational needs are met.
What kind of vehicles will use them, and what are the charging rates?
The chargers will primarily serve Maritime’s 42-tonne electric HGVs as part of their operations. Charging rates will range from 100 kW to 1 MW, depending on the specific operational requirements within the fleet. These power levels have been carefully selected based on our detailed fleet analysis to ensure they meet Maritime’s unique duty cycles and operational needs as they deploy the largest articulated EV fleet in the UK.
Are the chargers for public use or private?
The charging infrastructure is initially for Maritime’s dedicated use to support their own fleet operations. Over time, there’s potential for the chargers to be made available to other Zenfreight consortium members on a B2B basis, but this isn’t a public charging facility. The focus is on creating resilient, optimised charging infrastructure to support Maritime’s decarbonisation goals as part of the UK Government’s ZEHID programme.
What’s the timeline for the broader rollout across Maritime’s network?
The three initial sites will be completed by the end of April, with Maritime’s first electric trucks becoming operational from late summer. Beyond these sites, high-powered EV chargers are becoming a feature of Maritime’s Felixstowe head office this year, with rollout planned across a further 12 sites throughout 2025. Given that Maritime’s network encompasses 41 transport hubs throughout the country, this represents the beginning of a comprehensive electrification programme. The pace of deployment demonstrates both Maritime’s commitment to decarbonisation and VEV’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure projects efficiently.
What has been VEV’s specific role in delivering this electrification program?
VEV is the chosen electrification solution partner for Maritime’s transformation programme, providing end-to-end delivery across multiple areas. We’re responsible for detailed fleet analysis, site design, infrastructure development, software implementation and charger maintenance. Our VEV-IQ platform has been instrumental in analysing Maritime’s fleet data to design bespoke, scalable charging solutions optimised for their specific operational requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures that the infrastructure we’re installing not only meets current needs but is future-proofed for Maritime’s continued electrification journey.
What makes this partnership particularly significant for the UK’s transport sector?
This partnership represents a landmark moment in the UK’s transition to zero-emissions transport. Together, we’re delivering the biggest network of EV charge ports for the transport sector and supporting the largest articulated EV fleet in the country. What’s particularly noteworthy is that this is happening in an industry not traditionally recognised for environmental performance. Maritime’s leadership demonstrates that with the right expertise and partners, even the most demanding logistics operations can be successfully electrified. This programme sets a powerful example that we hope others in the sector will follow as the UK progresses toward its net zero goals.
What is the cost for completing the charger installations?
We don’t disclose specific commercial details about our projects. What I can say is that this represents a significant investment in the UK’s zero-emissions transport infrastructure, benefiting from Government backing as part of the ZEHID programme and bringing together a consortium of forward-thinking partners from across the sector through Zenfreight.
Will any of the chargers use solar power or wind power?
To my knowledge, Maritime doesn’t currently have solar or wind generation at these initial sites. However, as VEV is owned by Vitol, a world leader in energy that has committed around £2 billion to sustainable energy initiatives worldwide, we’re well-positioned to integrate renewable energy solutions into future phases of the programme should that align with Maritime’s decarbonisation strategy.
How does VEV ensure the charging infrastructure meets Maritime’s operational needs?
Understanding the operational requirements of a logistics fleet is absolutely crucial to successful electrification. Through our VEV-IQ platform, we analyse Maritime’s fleet data and model their operations as if they were electric. This allows us to determine optimal charging locations, power requirements, and charging schedules. This ensures minimal disruption to their operations during the transition to electric vehicles. We also provide ongoing software and maintenance support to ensure charging reliability, which is essential for mission-critical fleets. Our approach is about more than just installing chargers – it’s about creating an integrated solution that supports Maritime’s core business while enabling their decarbonisation goals.
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