Plans have been approved for what is claimed to be the UK's first electric heavy goods vehicle charging site on the Humber.
Developer Milence has secured permissions from North Lincolnshire Council and aims to begin the first phase of works in November. It will create a charging hub for electric-powered HGVs that could replace diesel fleets across the South Humber ports in the year to come.
The initial phase will bring forward four, Combined Charging Systems (CCS) chargers powering eight bays and one Megawatt Charging System (MCS) chargers powering two bays. The site will also have a lounge and welfare facilities providing food and drink. And the final site will include further CCS and MCS chargers.
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Port owner Able Humper Port has provided land for the project, which is part of the Freeport tax site that includes five-year business rates relief and stamp duty land tax relief among other benefits.
Peter Stephenson, Able Group founder and executive chairman said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Milence to Able Humber Port to deliver the UK’s first electric charging hub. The hub is an exciting step forward in supporting the decarbonising of the Humber Ports and the HGV transport industry also assisting Able Humber Port and the region transition to net zero.”
Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence, which is a joint venture comprising Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton Group (formally Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG), said: "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."
Commercial law specialist Square One Law advised Able Group and Milence on the planning application, having worked on numerous projects with Able Group over recent years.
Michael Shuker, commercial property partner at Square One Law, added: “We are proud to have supported the development of what will become a critical piece of UK infrastructure. A first-of-its-kind for the UK, the charging hub will play a central role in the electrification of the nation’s transport network and supporting the government’s ambition of reaching net zero by 2050.
