Project overview
Engineering-led delivery, clearly documented
Veridis was appointed to design and deliver an ultra-rapid charging solution for Huel's distribution centre in Milton Keynes on behalf of GXO Logistics. The project centred on the installation of an Autel 480kW Ultra-Rapid DC Charger, supporting the transition to electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) within one of the UK's busiest logistics environments.
Sector
Logistics & Distribution
Client
GXO Logistics
End User
Huel
Location
Milton Keynes
Services
Electrical Engineering • EV Charging • Bespoke Infrastructure • Project Delivery
Project snapshot
Key project details
480kW
ultra-rapid DC charger
eHGV
charging infrastructure
Bespoke
cable management
Live
logistics environment
The Brief
What the project needed to achieve
GXO Logistics required a future-ready charging solution capable of supporting the electrification of its heavy vehicle fleet operating from the Huel distribution centre.
The project objectives included:
- Install a 480kW ultra-rapid DC charger for electric HGVs.
- Integrate new high-power electrical infrastructure into the existing site.
- Maintain safe vehicle movements within a live logistics environment.
- Minimise disruption to ongoing operations.
- Deliver a scalable solution capable of supporting future fleet expansion.
Engineering Challenge
The constraints behind the solution
The proposed charger location presented a significant engineering challenge.
Due to the site’s operational layout, traffic movements and space restrictions, the charger could not be installed using a conventional cable arrangement. Positioning the charging equipment at vehicle level would have created unacceptable operational and safety risks.
A standard installation was simply not feasible.
Rather than relocating the charger or compromising the site’s operational requirements, Veridis engineered a bespoke solution that enabled the charger to remain in its optimal location while ensuring safe, reliable operation.
Our Solution
Specialist engineering from design to delivery
Veridis designed, engineered and delivered a complete turnkey solution, combining specialist electrical engineering with bespoke mechanical infrastructure.
Bespoke Elevated Cable Management System
A custom-designed steel cable management structure was developed to suspend the ultra-high-power charging cables safely above operational vehicle height before routing them directly to the charging point.
The solution provides:
– Safe cable routing
– Protection against vehicle impact
– Improved operator ergonomics
– Reduced mechanical wear on charging cables
– Unrestricted HGV manoeuvrability
– A clean, future-ready installation
Purpose-designed for the site, the structure was engineered to meet the demanding operational requirements of a high-traffic logistics facility while maintaining long-term durability and ease of maintenance.
High-Power Electrical Infrastructure
Supporting the charger required the installation and commissioning of new electrical infrastructure, including:
– ABB low-voltage distribution equipment
– High-capacity protection systems
– Dedicated power distribution
– Integrated electrical controls
– Full testing and commissioning
Every element of the installation was designed and delivered in accordance with current electrical standards and industry best practice.
Industry-Leading Charging Technology
The project features an Autel 480kW Ultra-Rapid DC Charger—one of the highest-powered commercial charging systems currently available.
Designed specifically for heavy commercial vehicle applications, the charger delivers exceptionally high charging rates, enabling significantly reduced charging times and supporting the transition to fully electric logistics fleets.
Subject to manufacturer confirmation, this is believed to be the first Autel 480kW charger commissioned in the UK.
Project Highlights
What stood out
Charging Equipment: Autel 480kW Ultra-Rapid DC Charger
Electrical Infrastructure: ABB Low-Voltage Distribution
Bespoke elevated cable management system
Delivered within a live operational logistics environment
Believed to be the UK's first Autel 480kW installation
Services Delivered
Veridis scope
Feasibility & Infrastructure Design
EV Charging Infrastructure Design
Bespoke Mechanical & Cable Management Design
Low-Voltage Distribution Design
Power Distribution Installation
Testing & Commissioning
Project Management
Turnkey Project Delivery
Results
Delivered outcomes
Enabling Fleet Electrification
The installation provides critical charging infrastructure capable of supporting the next generation of battery-electric heavy goods vehicles, helping accelerate the transition towards zero-emission logistics.
Innovative Engineering Solution
Through bespoke cable management design, Veridis successfully overcame significant site constraints without compromising operational efficiency, safety or charger performance.
Future-Ready Infrastructure
The installation has been engineered with future operational requirements in mind, providing a scalable platform capable of supporting continued fleet electrification and further infrastructure expansion.
Safe Operation in a Live Logistics Environment
The elevated cable management system protects both personnel and equipment while maintaining unrestricted vehicle movements within one of the site’s busiest operational areas.
Project Outcome
Long-term value
This project demonstrates Veridis’ ability to solve complex electrical engineering challenges through innovative thinking, detailed design and high-quality project delivery.
By combining specialist electrical infrastructure expertise with bespoke engineering solutions, Veridis successfully delivered a flagship ultra-rapid charging installation that supports the future of electric freight transport while maintaining the operational demands of a live logistics facility.
As one of the UK’s earliest deployments of an Autel 480kW ultra-rapid charger, the project represents another milestone in the evolution of commercial EV charging infrastructure.
Gallery
Project images
