High-power charging hub for eHGVs opens at Moto Exeter

A high-power GRIDSERVE charging hub for eHGVs has opened at Moto Exeter service station by Actemium.

The Moto Exeter hub comprises four dedicated eHGV charging bays and nine high-power chargers, featuring ABB Terra 175–350kW units, providing ultra-reliable, high-power charging. 

Actemium designed the infrastructure to support future expansion and increased vehicle demand. Additionally, the units are powered by sustainable energy, aligning with GRIDSERVE’s energy strategy.

The project is part of GRIDSERVE’s Electric Freightway programme, a national initiative to roll out a public network of eHGV charging hubs at motorway service areas and truck stops across the UK. The programme is being delivered by GRIDSERVE through a £100m+ consortium, including £62.7m of funding from the UK Government, supported by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.

As principal contractor, Actemium delivered the project through a six-month end-to-end programme, with the on-site construction phase completed in just 15 weeks.

Anthony Willis, Sector Manager at Actemium E-Mobility, said: “The Moto Exeter project draws directly on Actemium’s leading technical experience in the EV and eHGV space. It demonstrates our ability to safely and quickly deliver complex infrastructures.

“Our strong relationship with GRIDSERVE, built over more than five years and the delivery of 40+ EV charging hubs, and our established HGV charging capability were key to our selection for this industry-leading scheme. With the site now successfully handed over, we’re excited to continue rolling out eHGV charging hubs with GRIDSERVE across the UK.”

Simon Birchall, Senior Project Manager at Actemium E-Mobility, added: “As a first-of-its-kind project, the Moto Exeter eHGV hub presented unique engineering and operational challenges. It involved complex civil works and highways-specification surfacing. Throughout construction, we had to deliver safely within a live motorway service area while maintaining traffic flow and full public access. We managed it all successfully through detailed planning, close coordination with GRIDSERVE and Moto, and an uncompromising focus on safety and quality at every stage.”

Sam Clarke, Head of eHGV Programme, GRIDSERVE, stated: “The opening of our first public Electric Freightway hubs mark an important step in building a national charging network for electric HGVs. Electric trucks have very different operational needs to passenger vehicles, which is why we’re working closely with our partners like Actemium to understand those differences and design hubs that are truly fit for purpose.”