Kempower Overhead Charging System Installed at Bidfood UK Truck Depot
The overhead gantry setup allows electric trucks to charge via 160 kW dispensers during loading stops without using ground space.
UK food wholesaler Bidfood has begun electrifying its Slough depot using an overhead charging system supplied by DC fast charger manufacturer Kempower. The installation allows electric trucks to recharge during typical loading windows without requiring additional ground space for charging equipment.
What Happened
Bidfood operates more than 1,200 trucks in the UK, with the Slough depot serving as a distribution hub for Greater London and the Thames Valley. The project was designed and delivered by Erinion, a depot charging specialist within the Scania group and a Kempower sales and service partner. Currently, two electric trucks are operating at the site. Kempower supplied infrastructure for four charging bays at the depot’s loading docks, installing four Kempower Control Units overhead using a gantry system. These units are paired with Kempower Cable Arms, enabling drivers to access charging plugs from above. The Control Units draw power dynamically from a single 600 kW Kempower Power Unit and can each deliver up to 160 kW of charging power.
Why It Matters
The UK government plans to phase out sales of oil-burning heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) weighing up to 26 tons from 2035, and all new HGVs by 2040. This regulatory timeline puts pressure on operators to electrify depots that were not originally designed for EV charging. Overhead charging systems address space constraints by allowing electric trucks to charge during loading stops of 45 minutes to two hours, eliminating the need for separate charging stops. Faye Reeve, Head of Non-Inventory Procurement at Bidcorp UK, Bidfood’s parent company, stated that the infrastructure complements existing operations, allowing the company to continue operating efficiently and profitably. Jack Smith, Erinion’s Country Manager for the UK, noted that the modular gantry design allows Bidfood to add charging bays as the fleet grows without starting over.
The Bottom Line
Bidfood’s Slough depot demonstrates a viable overhead charging solution for existing logistics hubs facing space constraints. The system supports the UK’s planned HGV electrification deadlines by enabling charging during standard loading operations.
