Voltempo has announced a major step forward for zero-emission logistics in the UK, when its first live megawatt-scale electric HGV charging hub went into operation at East Midlands Gateway, supporting Kuehne+Nagel’s (K+N’s) UK overland fleet.
Designed and implemented by Voltempo, the site is the first MCS-ready (Megawatt Charging System) eHGV charging hub to operate live in the UK. At its core is British-designed HyperCharger technology, capable of delivering charge rates of up to one megawatt – enabling future electric HGVs to recharge in less than 30 minutes, returning quickly to operation.
“This first deployment of Voltempo’s HyperCharger at Kuehne+Nagel’s depot is a significant milestone for zero emission freight,” said Simon Smith, Voltempo’s CEO.
“As lead partner and charging infrastructure provider for eFREIGHT 2030, our focus has been on delivering infrastructure that works for real-world freight operations today, while being ready for the next generation of high-power electric and autonomous HGVs tomorrow.”
The East Midlands Gateway site, the first of 25 planned HyperCharger hubs, features six DC charging bays, all powered by a single megawatt-scale HyperCharger. This intelligent system dynamically distributes power across each bay, allowing multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously while adapting to operational priorities, schedules and future fleet growth.
As lead partner and charging infrastructure provider for eFREIGHT 2030, Voltempo’s focus has been on creating infrastructure that works in live freight environments today, while remaining ready for the next generation of high-power electric and autonomous HGVs. This first deployment is the start of a wider national rollout, with megawatt-scale HyperChargers forming part of up to 35 depot charging hubs planned under the programme.
The charging hub supports Kuehne+Nagel’s growing electric fleet, initially serving twelve eHGVs operating across regional, national and international routes. These vehicles – including DAF XF Electric and Renault Trucks E-Tech T models – will generate valuable real-world data on energy use, charging cycles, range and total cost of operation, helping to shape the future of electric freight in the UK.
Located at one of the country’s most connected logistics centres, adjacent to the M1 and East Midlands Airport, the site demonstrates how electric HGVs can operate effectively at scale within demanding logistics environments.
Kate Broome, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at Kuehne+Nagel, said:
“As part of eFREIGHT 2030, we’re proud to be working with partners like Voltempo and their innovative technology, alongside vehicle manufacturers DAF and Renault Trucks, to open the first charging hub at our site – a real milestone made possible through collaboration across industry. Located at the heart of our UK road logistics operations, the combination of the HyperCharger and our new electric fleet enables us to deliver more sustainable logistics for our customers at real operational scale.”
Voltempo’s HyperCharger systems are designed and manufactured in the UK, developed specifically for heavy-duty freight applications. Each unit can supply up to one megawatt of power, intelligently shared across up to six vehicles, and can be scaled further as fleet and depot requirements evolve.
Simplicity and reliability are central to the design. With no payment terminals required, our system authenticates vehicles automatically and manages all charging transactions in the background. OCPP 2.0+ compliance and Plug and Charge capability ensure the infrastructure is future-ready, while flexible power management helps operators minimise downtime and reduce fleet emissions.
This first megawatt-scale charging hub is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration across industry, government, and innovation partners. As part of the UK Government-funded Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, eFREIGHT 2030 is generating the real-world evidence needed to accelerate the transition away from diesel freight.
Speaking on ZEHID, Alistair Barnes, Senior Programme Manager at Innovate UK said:
“We are delighted to support the launch of this pioneering charging hub at Kuehne+Nagel’s East Midlands Gateway depot. Voltempo’s state-of-the-art HyperCharger is enabling eFREIGHT 2030 to meet the sustainable haulage demands of today and tomorrow. The ZEHID programme, funded by the UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, is providing strategic insights into the future of road transport. Powerful partnerships like this are accelerating the transition to zero-emission freight and driving the UK’s clean growth ambitions forward.”
