The bespoke charging infrastructure, delivered by specialist fleet electrification company Mer Fleet Services, has been designed to support the arrival of ten new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), which will be used on some of Wren's busiest inbound logistics routes.
Each of the new electric trucks is capable of travelling up to 500 kilometres on a single charge and is expected to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions by more than 90 per cent across the company's supply chain operations by replacing diesel-powered vehicles on key routes.
Lee Holmes, Transport and Logistics Director at Wren Kitchens, described the introduction of the new fleet as a landmark moment for the company.
"The arrival of our first Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks is a landmark moment in our sustainability journey. These are among the most advanced and safest heavy goods vehicles on the road today and by deploying them on our raw material routes we are removing fossil fuels from the very heart of our supply chain.
"Partnering with Mer was a natural fit given their expertise and they've played a key role in helping us deliver the infrastructure needed to support the arrival of the new eHGVs."
At the centre of the installation is a triple Kempower Power Unit supplying six individual satellite chargers through a distributed charging architecture.
The intelligent system dynamically shares available power between vehicles, enabling the fleet to recharge efficiently between shifts while also allowing rapid top-up charging during busy operating periods. The technology has been designed to minimise vehicle downtime and maximise operational efficiency.
Rather than positioning the charging equipment where installation would have been easiest, Mer Fleet Services designed the layout around Wren's day-to-day operations.
The chargers have been installed in locations that align with the charging ports on the new eHGVs, allowing vehicles to recharge while still coupled to their trailers, removing the need to disconnect them during charging.
Delivering that solution required a significantly more complex installation, with engineers laying almost two kilometres of cabling across the depot.
Dan Robinson, Strategic Sales Manager at Mer Fleet Services, said:
"This installation reflects how Mer approaches every fleet project. We make the infrastructure work around the customer's operation, not the other way around.
"In total we laid nearly 2km of cabling to get the chargers in exactly the right place for Wren's eHGVs, which made the project more complex, but ultimately delivered exactly what Wren needed.
"This is what a long-term partnership looks like in practice. It has been a pleasure to work with the Wren team on this project."
The new charging facilities have also been given a bespoke finish, wrapped in Wren Kitchens' signature green and featuring the company's distinctive bird branding.
The customised design ensures the infrastructure reflects the retailer's identity throughout the depot while showcasing its investment in cleaner transport.
The Barton-upon-Humber project marks another significant milestone in Wren Kitchens' sustainability programme and highlights the growing shift towards electric heavy goods vehicles within the UK's logistics sector.
As retailers and transport operators continue working towards ambitious decarbonisation targets ahead of 2030, large-scale charging installations such as the one at Wren's North Lincolnshire depot are expected to become an increasingly common feature of Britain's freight network.