Where can I charge an electric truck in the UK?

Electric truck charging is becoming easier to access across the UK. Paua brings together public HGV charging locations and shared private depots into one network, helping commercial fleets find suitable chargers, pay for electricity and manage their charging costs.

For fleet operators introducing electric trucks, finding the right charging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges.

A charger might appear on a map, but can a 44-tonne articulated lorry actually get to it? Is there enough space to manoeuvre? Can the vehicle draw enough power? And how does the driver pay?

These questions matter for businesses operating electric HGVs, rigid trucks and larger commercial vans.

Paua has developed an aggregated truck charging network that helps fleet operators answer them.

Finding electric truck charging locations across the UK

Most public EV charging maps were originally developed for passenger cars.

But commercial vehicles have different requirements.

A long-wheelbase van might struggle to fit into a standard car parking space. A rigid truck needs more room, while an articulated lorry may require dedicated access, turning space and a suitable charging bay.

Paua tackles this by bringing together charging locations suitable for larger commercial vehicles and applying vehicle-size filters.

Our network covers two important types of infrastructure:

• Public truck charging locations: Publicly accessible charging sites that accommodate medium or large commercial vehicles.
• Shared private depot charging: Commercial charging infrastructure at locations such as bus garages, dealerships and other business depots, made available to authorised fleets through Paua Share.

Together, these provide fleet operators with more options when planning their electric vehicle operations.

Explore the UK electric truck charging map

Insert Paua's aggregated truck charging map here.

Our map identifies charging locations by infrastructure type.

🩷 Pink pins: Public charging locations that accommodate medium or large commercial vehicles.

💙 Blue pins: Shared private depot charging locations accessible through Paua Share, subject to the relevant access arrangements.

The map helps operators identify potential charging locations beyond their own depots.

Whether you're planning a new electric truck route, operating a demonstration vehicle or considering your first electric HGV, understanding the available charging infrastructure is an essential first step.

What size commercial vehicles can use Paua's charging network?

Paua has developed vehicle-size filters to help fleet operators identify suitable charging infrastructure.

Medium commercial vehicles

These include long-wheelbase vans, rigid trucks and other vehicles larger than a standard passenger car parking bay.

Large commercial vehicles

These include articulated lorries and other large commercial vehicles that need substantial manoeuvring space and suitable charging access.

Drivers and fleet managers can use these filters to narrow their search to locations designed to accommodate their vehicles.

Vehicle suitability can still depend on the site layout, access restrictions and individual vehicle dimensions.

What is shared depot charging?

Many businesses have invested in their own electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Bus operators, truck dealerships, logistics businesses and commercial fleet operators are all developing charging facilities at their premises.

Some of this infrastructure can be made available to other commercial fleets.

Paua Share connects businesses that need charging with depot operators willing to make their infrastructure available.

For example, a truck dealership might provide charging for electric trucks operating in its region, while a bus depot could offer charging capacity to other commercial operators.

Shared depot charging can help fleets access infrastructure without having to build chargers at every location they visit.

It can also help depot owners generate revenue from existing assets.

Access to individual depots is managed through the relevant commercial and operational arrangements.

One charging card and app for electric truck fleets

Finding a charger is only part of the challenge.

Fleet operators also need a straightforward way to pay for charging, track energy consumption and manage costs.

Paua brings these functions together.

• One charging card: Drivers can use their Paua card across supported charging locations.
• One app: Find available charging locations and access the network.
• One fleet dashboard: Fleet managers can monitor charging activity and costs.
• One consolidated invoice: Bring charging transactions together rather than managing invoices from multiple operators.

For businesses operating vehicles across multiple regions, this removes much of the complexity associated with different charging networks and payment arrangements.

How much does Paua electric truck charging cost?

Paua Access costs £3 per active card per month, with electricity charged separately at the applicable charging location tariff.

That's less than the cost of a cup of posh coffee.

Fleet operators can access supported charging infrastructure without needing a separate payment arrangement for every public charging network.

Shared depot locations may have additional access conditions or arrangements depending on the site.

Planning the transition to electric trucks

Electric truck adoption introduces new operational challenges, particularly for businesses moving beyond vehicles that can charge overnight at their own depot.

Fleet managers need to consider where vehicles will charge during their working day, which sites can accommodate larger vehicles and how charging fits into existing routes.

Access to a wider charging network can help businesses:

• Assess the practicality of electric truck routes
• Support electric HGV demonstrations and vehicle trials
• Identify charging options away from their own depots
• Reduce reliance on a single charging location
• Simplify charging payments and administration

Paua works with commercial fleets and charging infrastructure partners to make electric truck charging more accessible.

Frequently asked questions about electric truck charging

Where can I charge an electric truck in the UK?

Electric trucks can charge at suitable public charging hubs, dedicated HGV charging facilities and some private commercial depots. Paua provides an aggregated network with vehicle-size filters to help fleets identify suitable locations.

Can electric trucks use ordinary public EV chargers?

Some can, provided the vehicle can physically access the charging bay, the charger is compatible and the location permits commercial vehicles. Many standard car charging sites lack the space needed for larger trucks. Plus some sites have restrictions on charging trucks.

Can I charge an electric truck at a bus depot?

Some bus depots make charging infrastructure available to third-party commercial vehicles. Paua Share helps manage access to participating private depots, subject to the relevant permissions and operating conditions. At the time of writing First Bus and Stagecoach work with Paua.

Do I need different charging cards for different truck charging networks?

No. Paua provides one charging card and app for supported charging networks, with transactions managed through a single fleet dashboard and consolidated invoice.

How do I find charging locations suitable for articulated lorries?

Use Paua's large-vehicle charging filter to identify locations that accommodate articulated trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Confirm any vehicle-specific access requirements before travelling.

Start charging your electric truck fleet with Paua

Whether you're running a fleet of electric HGVs, testing your first electric truck or planning the transition from diesel, Paua can help you find and access suitable charging infrastructure.

Explore our UK electric truck charging network and speak to the Paua team about getting your fleet connected.

Paua offers a private map for truck operators - access can be arranged by contacting a member of the Paua Rangers.

‍