Trailblazers - John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) enters the UK road transport history books by demonstrating megawatt charging for the first time in the UK with MAN eTGX

In a pioneering display of electric truck charging, John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) of Glasgow makes history as the first UK haulier to demonstrate Megawatt Charging (MCS) on British soil.

The event, held at John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) Coatbridge railhead depot, showcased the company's new MCS Megawatt Charging facility to a crowd of 50 people, including representatives from both the Scottish and UK governments, ZENFreight (Zero Emission National Freight), InnovateUK (the UK's innovation agency) OAL Limited and Scottish Futures Trust.  

Speaking at this momentous event, Stephen Madden, Russell Group Fleet Engineer, said: “As an operator, our drive to become a net-zero company by 2040 is more than a strapline; it’s a cornerstone of our business model and is underpinned by our Environmental Policy and Sustainability Strategy.”

“Last week, with one of our new MCS equipped MAN eTGX tractors, we publicly demonstrated the future of electric vehicle charging in Scotland. With MCS charging, our vehicle charging times have dropped drastically, and, as a result, our vehicle uptime has improved significantly.”

Stephen added, “Not only is this a major benefit for us, in terms of increasing our fleet availability and uptime, but it’s also a huge positive for our customers, as our zero-emission vehicles will be more readily available to make sustainable deliveries and, in doing so, positively impact the environment.”      

John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) took delivery of their first MAN eTGX 4x2 tractors in September 2025. In December 2025, two additional eTGX tractors joined the fleet. Today, thanks to a sustained and eager drive to become more environmentally sustainable, the instantly recogniable fleet operates four MAN all-electric trucks. In early 2027, this number will have grown to 14.

This new vehicle, an eTGX 20.544 4x2 tractor, is powered by a permanently excited synchronous motor delivering 400 kW (544 PS) and 1,250 Nm of torque. It is paired with 6 x 80 kWh (480 kWh) batteries, a central drive unit that drives a 4-speed MAN TipMatic® automated transmission and, via a propshaft, a traditional axle. For ease of use, it features an MCS charging connection on the kerbside and a CCS charging point on the driver's side.

“These latest MAN MCS-equipped vehicles, with MCS charging capability, can charge their batteries from 20 to 90 percent in just 30 minutes, which is fast enough to fit within the statutory 45-minute driver's break, or turnaround. With this groundbreaking technology, our goal is to become an industry-leading reference point for sustainability and alternative fuels in the road transport sector.” Concluded Stephen.

Megawatt Charging is a high-power charging system engineered for heavy-duty electric vehicles. Unlike standard EV chargers, which typically provide up to 350 kW, MCS can deliver up to 3,75 megawatts (MW) of power. This massive increase in power output enables rapid charging of vehicles with very large battery capacities, such as trucks, significantly reducing downtime and making electric vehicles more viable for long-distance travel. The MCS Megawatt Charging System uses a specially designed connector capable of handling the high voltage, up to 1.250 volts, and current, up to 3.000 amps, required for megawatt-level charging.

Dr. Harsh Pershad, Innovation Lead for Zero Emissions Transport at Innovate UK attended the event. “The ZEHID Programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Innovate UK, is delighted to support Russell’s in their approach through zero emission vehicles and infrastructure.  Russell’s approach is visionary and shows sector leadership - we’re pleased to see Russell’s already scaling up their electric truck fleet and charging infrastructure. Megawatt Charging systems are particularly innovative and have considerable potential to speed up the recharging time for zero emission trucks, which means they can be on the road for longer, supplying businesses and consumers up and down the country. As well as providing part-funding for the vehicles, the ZEHID programme will collect valuable data on their performance over the next five years which can inform future roll out.” 

MAN’s production of MCS-compatible eTGX and eTGS models began in the second quarter of 2026.

Roger Turnbull, Head of EV Truck Consultation at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, added, “Working with Graham Russell, Stephen Madden, and the wider John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) team has always been an absolute delight. As a company, their commitment to advancing and improving their environmental performance and responsibilities, placing them at the forefront of their business, is nothing short of commendable.

“These latest MCS compatible series production eTGX tractors, with their reduced charging times, will, without doubt, help further streamline the John G Russell (Transport) Ltd (Russell Group) business. It's exciting times for sure. As we say – someone has to take the lead.”

All three of the Russell Group’s new eTGX tractors were prepared and PDI’d by MAN Truck & Bus Bellshill (ML4 3NX). MAN Truck & Bus Bellshill will service and maintain the vehicles under a full R&M contract, which includes high-voltage battery warranties for the duration of the service contract throughout their working lives.

All MAN vehicles are supported by MAN Truck & Bus UK's Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Dealer network, with many dealers operating extended hours, including round-the-clock servicing and customer-tailored maintenance solutions.

The entire MAN range benefits from MAN's Mobile24 24-hour assistance service, which provides customers with a professional roadside partner throughout Europe 365 days a year.