amphos. delivers Scotland’s first megawatt charging hub for Russell Group

amphos., the EV specialist delivering turnkey fleet solutions, has delivered Scotland’s first megawatt scale charging hub for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for John G Russell (Russell Group) – marking a major step forward in decarbonising heavy transport.

Delivered with Innovate UK funding, the Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire based project brings megawatt charging into real world operation, demonstrating how high power infrastructure can transform fleet efficiency at scale.

Live as of May 2026, the system enables ultra fast charging, with HGVs able to recharge in around 40 minutes using current Combined Charging System (CCS) charging technology. Planned Megawatt Charging System (MCS) upgrades in July 2026 are expected to reduce charging times to around 20 minutes – comparable to a standard driver rest break.

The new 4×2 tractor units are capable of carrying full 42 tonne loads and deliver a range of more than 430 km per charge.

The charging hub will support Russell Group’s battery electric HGV operations for its customers in Scotland, enabling zero tailpipe emission deliveries.

Each charging unit, manufactured by Vestel Mobility, delivers up to 3.75 megawatts of high voltage DC power. A specialised connector and cable system ensures safe handling, while onboard systems enable rapid battery recharge – supporting simultaneous charging and significantly reducing downtime.

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

The hub is only the second of its kind in the UK and the first in Scotland. It follows the UK’s first megawatt charging site at East Midlands Gateway in January 2026, where units deliver up to 1MW. At 3.75MW per charger – more than three times the power – the Russell Group site marks a step change in capability, enabling faster turnaround and making electric HGV operations viable at a greater scale.

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 is highly efficient – and that transforms how we operate electric vehicles at scale.’

As an independent connections provider (ICP), amphos. led the design and delivery of the charging system, from planning through to installation, bringing the complex project to life.

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 isn’t just an upgrade – it is a step change that brings fully electric, high utilisation HGV fleets within reach for fleet operators up and down the country.’

The project supports Russell Group’s commitment to reach net zero by 2040 across its transport and warehousing operations. Russell Group will use the new battery electric HGVs on services in Scotland, with return trips to Russell’s Coatbridge rail hub carrying  customer deliveries for onward rail transport. This complements existing electric locomotive freight service from Daventry to Coatbridge.

As one of the UK’s first megawatt charging hubs, the site provides a blueprint for wider rollout across the logistics sector – enabling scalable, low carbon freight operations.

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