Megawatt charging hub for Russell Group

Fleet electrification specialist amphos. has completed the installation of what is said to be Scotland’s first megawatt‑scale charging hub for electric HGVs, delivered for John G. Russell (Russell Group) in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

The project, supported through Innovate UK funding, brings megawatt charging into operational use, demonstrating how high‑power infrastructure can support large‑scale fleet electrification. The system went live last month.

According to amphos., the charging technology enables ultra‑fast turnaround times, with electric HGVs able to recharge in around 40 minutes using current Combined Charging System (CCS) equipment. Planned upgrades to the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) in July 2026 are expected to reduce charging times to approximately 20 minutes.

Russell Group’s new 4×2 battery‑electric tractor units are capable of carrying full 42‑tonne loads and offer a quoted range of more than 430 km per charge. The charging hub will support the operator’s zero‑tailpipe emission deliveries for customers across Scotland.

Each charging unit, manufactured by Vestel Mobility, delivers up to 3.75 MW of high‑voltage DC power. The system incorporates a specialised connector and cable arrangement designed for safe handling, with onboard vehicle systems enabling rapid battery replenishment and simultaneous charging.

To support the fleet rollout, Russell Group is installing two 720 kW double‑port chargers and one 1.2 MW double‑port charger on site.

Stephen Madden of Russell Group

Stephen Madden, head of engineering at Russell Group, said: “Megawatt charging allows us to bring a heavy goods vehicle in, charge it during a driver’s break, and send it straight back out fully charged. It’s highly efficient – and that transforms how we operate electric vehicles at scale.”

amphos., acting as an Independent Connections Provider (ICP), oversaw the design, planning and installation of the system.

Mark Oxtoby, CEO of amphos., commented: “This project marks a pivotal moment for electric freight in the UK. Moving from 1 MW to 3.75 MW charging… brings fully electric, high-utilisation HGV fleets within reach for fleet operators up and down the country.”

The project forms part of Russell Group’s wider commitment to reach net zero by 2040 across its transport and warehousing operations. The new electric HGVs will operate on Scottish routes, including return trips to the company’s Coatbridge rail hub carrying customer deliveries for onward rail transport. This complements existing electric‑locomotive freight services between Daventry and Coatbridge.

As one of the UK’s early megawatt‑scale charging sites, the installation is positioned as a model for wider deployment across the logistics sector.

Stephen Madden added: “We see this as a model for future megawatt charging infrastructure. This isn’t just about one site – it’s about building a scalable foundation for zero-emission logistics in the UK and beyond.”