Daimler Truck to build Europe’s largest semi-public charging network
A strong charging infrastructure is necessary for the expansion of eco-friendly road freight transportation with battery-electric trucks. While there have been significant advancements in this area, there is potential for more improvement and work toward a sustainable future.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association states that about 35,000 fast-charging points with an output of 800 kW and more are required to achieve the EU’s CO2 reduction targets by 2030. Currently, there are fewer than 1,000 charging points for heavy commercial vehicles throughout Europe, which also have too little charging capacity. Daimler Truck has developed a concept for a semi-public charging network to partially compensate for the existing deficit. The network is set to include over 3,000 fast-charging points in Europe by 2030, making it the largest in Europe.
The new semi-public charging solution for electric trucks will enable Daimler Truck’s TruckCharge customers to open their charging infrastructure for external, paid use. As part of the semi-public charging network, depot owners can make their own charging stations available at times when they do not need them, helping to ensure a more comprehensive charging network for electric trucks. Daimler aims to launch the semi-public charging network in the third quarter of 2025.
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“With our TruckCharge concept for semi-public charging, we are aiming to close a large gap in the charging infrastructure for trucks,” Martin Hink, head of eMobility/H2 business solutions at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said. “With more than 1,000 dealers in Europe alone, we have the best prerequisites to quickly build up our own network. In parallel, we will offer our customers a complete solution enabling them to join the network. On the one hand, the idea is to help our customers to make their own charging infrastructure more profitable as this can be better utilized. On the other hand, we want to offer operators of electric trucks additional, attractive options for charging their vehicles.”
TruckCharge assumes the role of intermediary between site operators and fleet operators and creates the opportunity for planning, booking, reservation, and payment processes. Operators of sites that provide semi-public charging stations can generate additional revenue.
Daimler Truck offers customers a cost-effective package running from energy generation to vehicle operation so that they can make full use of the potential of electrification. TruckCharge is aimed at truck fleet operators as well as industrial enterprises with their own or externally operated truck fleet. Since vehicles from different manufacturers are generally used, TruckCharge is available regardless of the truck brand.
