Volvo, Daimler, Traton to develop charging network for heavy-duty trucks in Europe

Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and Traton Group have signed a non-binding agreement to install and operate a high-performance public charging network for battery electric heavy-duty long-haul trucks and coaches in Europe. 

With plans to start operations in 2022, the partners intend to invest together 500 million Euros to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charging points close to highways as well as at logistic and destination points, within five years from the establishment of the joint venture (JV).

The number of charging points is with time intended to be increased significantly by seeking additional partners as well as public funding. The future JV is planned to operate under its own corporate identity based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

“We are laying the necessary foundation in making a break-through for our customers to make the transformation to electrification by creating a European charging network leader,” Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of Volvo Group, said. “We have powerful electromobility technologies, and now, with Daimler Truck, the Traton Group, and thanks to the European Green Deal, also an industry-wide understanding as well as a political environment to make fundamental progress towards sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions.”

By focusing on customers’ needs, different applications will be taken into consideration. Battery electric vehicle fleet operators will be able to leverage both fast charging tailored to the 45-minute mandatory rest period in Europe focusing on long-distance transport—the highest priority of the future JV—and also charge overnight.

“It is the joint aim of Europe’s truck manufacturers to achieve climate neutrality by 2050,” Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck, said. “However, it is vital that building up the right infrastructure goes hand in hand with putting CO2-neutral trucks on the road. Together with Volvo Group and the TRATON GROUP, we are therefore very excited to take this pioneering step to establish a high-performance charging network across Europe.” 

A recent industry report from ACEA is calling for up to 15,000 high-performance public and destination charging points no later than 2025, and up to 50,000 high-performance charging points no later than 2030. Therefore, the kick-start of the partners is a call for action to all other industry players, as well as governments and regulators, to work together for a rapid expansion of the necessary charging network to be able to contribute to reaching the climate targets. As a clear signal towards all stakeholders, the charging network of the three parties will be open and accessible to all commercial vehicles in Europe, regardless of brand.

“For the Traton Group, it is clear that the future of transport is electric,” Matthias Gründler, CEO of Traton Group, said. “This requires the rapid development of publicly accessible charging points, especially for long-distance heavy-duty transport. We are now moving forward together with our partners Daimler Truck and Volvo Group to make this high-performance network a reality as quickly as possible. We now make the first step to accelerate the transition towards sustainable, fossil free transport. The second step should be a strong engagement of the EU for the full scale-up of a charging network across Europe.”

Volvo, Daimler, and Traton will own equal shares in the planned JV, but continue to be competitors in all other areas. While the creation of the JV is subject to regulatory and other approvals, the signing of the agreement can be expected by the end of 2021.