Nissan Launches Groundbreaking Electric Truck Charging Hub, Advancing Sustainable Automotive Logistics in the UK

Nissan Pioneers Zero-Emission Supply Chain at Sunderland Plant

Nissan has taken a major step forward in decarbonizing its logistics operations with the launch of a state-of-the-art electric truck charging station at the famed Sunderland Plant. This milestone initiative not only marks a first for the UK automotive industry but also promises to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1,500 tonnes annually—ushering in a new era of clean, efficient, and sustainable automotive transport.

Revolutionary Charging Facility: Specifications and Capacity

With a significant £1.4 million investment, the new facility boasts seven advanced charging points equipped to power up to 10 electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) at once. Supporting a fleet of 25 robust electric trucks, each charger delivers up to 360kW of power, ensuring fast turnaround times crucial for automotive logistics. This charging depot is poised to handle up to 60 daily eHGV deliveries, efficiently moving components and finished vehicles between Nissan’s Sunderland location and its extensive UK supply base, reaching as far as Derby and the Port of Tyne.

Innovative Design Supports the EV36Zero Green Vision

This cutting-edge depot is integral to Nissan’s broader EV36Zero strategy, which brings together electric vehicle production, battery assembly, and renewable energy integration under one green manufacturing umbrella. The charging station itself is a private, shared facility—the first of its kind in the UK—which not only meets Nissan’s needs but also has potential to support other logistics companies as EV adoption accelerates.

Performance and Environmental Impact

Electrifying the supply chain means more than just switching to battery-powered trucks. Over a year, these electric HGVs will cover more than 2.4 million kilometers on UK roads, all fully zero-emission. The result is an annual CO2 reduction of approximately 1,500 tonnes—a vital contribution toward achieving climate goals in the automotive industry. With advanced charging infrastructure ensuring trucks are always ready to move, Nissan sets a high benchmark for efficient, high-performance sustainable logistics.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning

This pioneering project is part of the Electric Freightway consortium, bringing together Nissan, Fergusons, Yusen, BCA, and charging infrastructure leaders GRIDSERVE. Supported by significant UK government backing under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme and Innovate UK, the initiative positions Nissan at the forefront of eco-friendly vehicle operations, setting a template for other OEMs and logistics companies.

Comparisons and Industry Impact

Compared to traditional diesel HGV transport, Nissan’s electrified model drastically lowers operational emissions and operating costs, while eliminating noise and air pollution near the plant. The Sunderland hub leads the field as the UK’s first shared, on-site charging facility for electric HGVs, outpacing competitors in both scale and vision. Nissan’s approach also anticipates greater public charging infrastructure in the future, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable automotive logistics.

What Industry Leaders Are Saying

Michael Simpson, Nissan’s Vice President of Supply Chain Management, expressed pride in leading the industry transition, highlighting the charging station’s role in the brand’s EV360 vision. Lilian Greenwood, UK Minister for the Future of Roads, praised the project for driving fleet electrification and supporting jobs, while GRIDSERVE CEO Daniel Kunkel emphasized the power of partnership in large-scale transport decarbonization efforts.

Looking Ahead

This innovative EV logistics hub marks just the beginning of Nissan Sunderland Plant’s electrification journey. Plans are underway to open charging access to more hauliers, maximizing both operational flexibility and environmental benefits. As the automotive industry increasingly turns to electric trucks and sustainable manufacturing, Nissan’s pioneering project sets a compelling blueprint for a greener, more future-ready supply chain.