Driving the Transition to Zero-Emission Freight: A welcome boost for eHGVs

As an operator already investing heavily in zero-emission infrastructure through our electric bus programme, and through First Charge, our initiative to open up depot charging infrastructure to third-party fleets, this targeted support is an important step in accelerating the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport. 

Interest in electrifying the road freight sector is growing, and operators are increasingly exploring electric alternatives to diesel HGVs. However, while vehicle technology continues to advance, infrastructure remains a significant barrier to progress. 

For electric HGVs, access to a reliable, high-power charging network is essential to support vehicles operating across multiple routes and duty cycles. Unlike cars and vans, eHGVs require ultra-rapid, high-capacity charging and access to sites with sufficient grid capacity.  

At present, there is a very limited network of public charging infrastructure on our strategic road network capable of meeting the needs of large electric vehicles. For many operators, this challenge is compounded by the high cost of installing suitable charging infrastructure and the difficulty of securing timely access to sufficient electrical power. Both can involve significant upfront investment and long lead times.  

Together, these factors create uncertainty around route planning, vehicle utilisation and operational resilience, slowing the pace of adoption. 

This is where First Charge plays an important role. Through First Charge, we have opened our electric bus depot charging infrastructure to third-party users, helping to support the wider transition to zero-emission transport. Today, 15 of our depots are already equipped with high-power charging and robust grid connections and are open to third-party use. Later in 2026, this will increase to 19 locations nationwide. 

First Charge can play an important enabling role, not only in supporting established eHGV fleets, but also early adoption of electric vehicles by providing operators with guaranteed access to high-power charging at strategically important locations.  

Importantly, this is not a theoretical offer. We already support major logistics operators, including DSV, to charge eHGVs at our depots, demonstrating how shared infrastructure can unlock faster progress towards zero-emission freight. These early partnerships show what is possible when existing assets are used more collaboratively. 

At First Bus, we are committed to playing our part in the UK’s journey to zero-emission transport. Alongside continuing to invest in our own electric fleet, we are working with partners through First Charge to help build the charging ecosystem needed to support buses, vans and heavy goods vehicles alike.