Rolling out a charging infrastructure suitable for heavy trucks across Europe is a challenging undertaking. At the same time, the expansion must now proceed quickly in order to get electric trucks on the road on a larger scale and thus achieve the EU's CO2 reduction targets.
The importance of the right charging infrastructure is demonstrated not least by the commitment of Daimler Truck, Traton Group and Volvo Group. Together, the commercial vehicle companies launched the Milence joint venture in July 2022. The aim is to establish a nationwide charging network by 2027, with priority in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Norway and Sweden. "We want to install and operate at least 1.700 charging points by 2027. That corresponds to around 300 to 400 charging parks," explains Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence.
The first charging park in Germany in Vockerode (Saxony-Anhalt) has just opened, the second near the Hermsdorfer junction (Thuringia) is due to follow in October. According to van Niersen, Milence will also be announcing further locations in the coming weeks and months. Milence operates as an independent company. All loading parks are open to all trucks, regardless of brand. According to the joint venture, it also works closely with all truck manufacturers to test new charging technologies and promote electrification.
Many offers in addition to the e-truck
Many truck manufacturers also want to drive electrification forward with a comprehensive range of products in addition to the actual electric trucks. In-depth consultations in which the need for company-owned charging stations is determined are part of the standard repertoire of the established players. In addition, sophisticated simulation tools are used to draw up specific deployment analyses and provide support with the sometimes complicated application for possible subsidies.
What's more, just in time for the start of the IAA TRANSPORTATION, Daimler Truck is even launching its own brand, TruckCharge, under which all of the company's own offerings relating to e-infrastructure and the charging of e-trucks will be combined. The manufacturer wants to offer customers an economical overall package, from energy generation to vehicle operation. This should include everything needed for electrification, from advice and hardware to digital services.
TruckCharge is aimed at both truck fleet operators and industrial companies with their own or third-party truck fleets. As vehicles from different manufacturers are generally used here, TruckCharge says it is available regardless of the truck brand. Furthermore, hauliers, for example, have the opportunity to obtain fast-charging stations from Daimler Truck dealers. According to the company, the offer for so-called "Depot Charging" includes advice, the sale of hardware and technical service as well as financing solutions via Daimler Truck Financial Services. In addition, qualified partners can take care of installation on request. The strategic partner for the charging stations is the company Alpitronic. Digital services cover the operation of the vehicle fleet, including intelligent charging management. Suitable payment functions for charging outside the depot round off the offer.
