Dartford M25 site secured for CV charging hub

Aegis Energy has announced that it has secured a strategically located site for a new commercial vehicle charging hub, 1.4 miles from the Dartford Crossing at a key M25 freight interchange.

The site, at the former Littlebrook Power Station in Dartford, was purchased from logistics real estate investor and manager Tritax Big Box, and partner Bericote Properties. It will provide multi-energy refuelling for HGVs and vans, and is expected to drive a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. Bookable high-speed electric charging will be available alongside alternative fuels like Bio-CNG and HVO.

In addition to space for dozens of vehicles to refuel and recharge simultaneously, the hub will provide improved driver welfare facilities, with Aegis Energy promising quality food services, calm rest areas and clean toilets.

The company reports that Dartford was chosen as a key gateway for freight travelling between London, the Midlands and continental Europe via Dover, as the only motorway-grade crossing of the River Thames east of London. Tens of thousands of vehicles pass the junction daily, it says, making the location a critical link in the UK’s logistics network.

A planning application will now be prepared and submitted. Aegis Energy says it will actively engage with local residents and businesses, as well as the local authority, to ensure community perspectives are taken into account in the development.

Michael Shaw, CEO of Aegis Energy, said: “Decarbonising commercial transport depends on infrastructure being built at locations that serve everyday operator demand, and Dartford is one of the most strategically important freight links in the country.

“Every day, thousands of vans and HGVs pass through this corridor moving goods between London, the Midlands and continental Europe.

“If we want fleets to switch to cleaner vehicles at scale, the infrastructure has to sit exactly where those journeys happen. Securing this site allows us to do just that, placing reliable charging and low-carbon fuels right on one of the busiest logistics routes in the country.”

Charlie Withers, director of development at Tritax Big Box REIT plc, said: “We are pleased to complete the sale of this Dartford site to Aegis Energy. As the logistics sector evolves alongside the transition to lower-carbon transport, sites located on major freight corridors are increasingly well placed to support new forms of infrastructure.

“This transaction reflects our commitment to supporting developments that contribute to more sustainable supply chains. Through our responsible investment approach, we aim to create long-term value for investors, occupiers and the communities surrounding our assets.”

Lord Deben, chair of the Council for Net Zero Transport and former environment secretary, said: “Britain has made enormous progress in decarbonising cars, but commercial transport remains one of the biggest challenges. Projects like this are exactly what we need; practical infrastructure that gives hauliers and fleet operators the confidence to move away from fossil fuels while keeping our economy moving.”