His session, Charging at Scale: Building Commercial Depots for Electric Vans and Trucks, will cover key challenges, from grid connections and site constraints to operational design, and showcase real-world examples of depots that are reliable, scalable, and commercially viable.

Andronicou will also join the panel Heavy Duty, High Demand: Tackling the Challenges of HGV Charging Infrastructure, discussing how public-private collaboration and smart planning can accelerate heavy duty fleet electrification.

What are some of the key challenges when it comes to planning new high-capacity charging depots for vans and HGVs?

“Planning high‑capacity charging depots for vans and HGVs requires navigating grid connections, site constraints, and operational complexity. Each depot is unique, often requiring tailored solutions rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Shell addresses this by combining deep project experience with structured delivery, integrating charging hardware, energy management systems, and on‑site energy assets. By working closely with customers and site stakeholders from the outset, we help fleets deploy reliable, scalable charging infrastructure that fits real‑world operations and supports long‑term electrification.

“A key advantage Shell brings is hands-on experience from deploying charging infrastructure at our own sites globally. With around 70,000 charge points across forecourts, depots, and logistics locations globally, we face the same challenges as our customers – grid constraints, uptime, and scalability.”

Tell us about a successful deployment.

“One example is the Contargo project we delivered in Germany. It combines 250 kW DC charge points, battery storage, photovoltaic systems, and an energy management system that interconnects multiple technical components. The main challenge is the individuality of each location, there is not a one size fits all solution for the planning of new high-capacity charging depots. This challenge was overcome by using a structured approach and effective communication with site managers, subcontractors, and Contargo project management.”

What are some of the key infrastructure requirements for high-capacity charging depots?

“High capacity depot charging works best when four essentials are designed together:

1. Reliable DC charging hardware that can support heavy duty vehicles and high utilisation.

2. Smart energy and charging control, using energy management systems to optimise power use, costs and grid constraints.

3. Simple fleet operations, including scheduling, monitoring performance and managing uptime.

4. Seamless payment and access, enabled by the Shell Card.

“The Shell Card is a critical enabler here. It is a single card that allows fleets to pay for both traditional fuels and EV charging, across private depots, shared depots and public charging. Many fleets underestimate how important this is: the card simplifies administration, enables consolidated invoicing and gives drivers a consistent experience regardless of where they charge. Shell also provides an integrated payment solution covering charging and transport-related expenses, and options like eDepot+ so third parties can charge at your depot to improve utilisation and returns.

“Shell brings these elements together through an all-in-one CPMS platform that integrates charge point, energy and fleet management. Options like eDepot+ also allow depot owners to open their sites to third party fleets, improving utilisation and returns, again enabled through Shell Card access and billing.”

How can better public-private collaboration accelerate zero emission freight?

“Public‑private collaboration accelerates freight electrification when it reduces barriers to investment and deployment, especially for fleets that are grid‑constrained or cannot justify large upfront depot CAPEX.

“In practice, this works when charging is available, investable and reliable, and when fleets can access a shared network rather than having to build every site themselves. The Shell Card is the mechanism that makes this possible. It allows fleets to use their own depots, shared depots at other customers’ sites, and Shell forecourts through one access and payment solution.

“A good example is Remitrans, which uses shared depot charging alongside its own infrastructure. By opening depots and enabling access via the Shell Card, fleets gain flexibility while depot owners improve utilisation. This networked approach allows fleets to focus on their core business, while Shell manages access, billing and interoperability behind the scenes.”

How should stakeholders be thinking about future proofing infrastructure for increasing vehicle sizes, power needs, and utilisation?

“Future‑proofing means designing for scalable power and operational flexibility from the outset. Today, Shell can already build depots on grid‑constrained sites using SBRS hardware, energy management systems and on‑site batteries to smooth demand and reduce peak loads.

“Just as importantly, we design sites so they can scale over time. For example, using satellite power systems allows additional power modules to be added away from the dispensers. This reduces the need to replace chargers or redo civil works as vehicle power demands increase.

“The goal is phased expansion: build what fleets need today, while ensuring infrastructure can grow in line with fleet size, vehicle capability and utilisation, without locking customers into inflexible designs.”

For attendees coming to the UK Charging Infrastructure Symposium, what do you hope they’ll take away from your presentation and the panel discussion that they can immediately apply to their own projects?

“I want attendees to see how heavy‑duty fleet charging becomes simpler and more scalable when private depots, shared infrastructure and public charging operate as one integrated EV charging network.

“Shell’s integrated network, enabled by one platform and the Shell Card, is designed to give fleets a seamless experience: one card, one invoice and one way of working, across all charging touchpoints. For fleets, this reduces complexity and total cost of ownership. For depot owners, it simplifies deployment, access management and monetisation.

“Ultimately, electrification works best when charging is treated as a connected system, not a collection of standalone assets. That’s the practical insight I hope attendees can take away and apply immediately to their own projects.”

The UK Charging Infrastructure Symposium will take place on 4-5 March 2026 at the British Motor Museum. Book your delegate pass today by clicking here.