Volvo Daimler Traton EV Truck Charging Network
At last, EV charging is getting a major boost in Europe, thanks to a new joint venture formed by Volvo, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz. Now EV trucks will have a fighting chance.
As a preparation phase for the launch of their respective EV truck lineups, the three companies have agreed on starting a new joint venture, to create an extensive and efficient EV charging network along all the major European highways and logistics hubs. The agreement was finalized a few days ago by appointing Anja van Niersen as CEO.
The details of the project are simply gigantic, never seen before in the EV world. The plan is to create more than 1700 charge points in strategic spots, close to the major trucking roads and hubs all over Europe. That will cost the three companies around €500 million as an initial estimate. The largest ever investment in an EV truck charging infrastructure so far. Made just in time before the three participants start mass production for their EV truck models.
Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of Volvo Group explained the necessity and importance of such a step for the future of electric trucks and electric vehicles in general: "This is a long-awaited and major step towards achieving the required charging infrastructure for the roll-out and success of battery-electric long-haul trucks and coaches."
He also talked about why a single company cannot achieve that on its own: "We are making what would be impossible for one actor alone to accomplish—this strong partnership is a significant milestone and accelerator towards carbon neutral transport in Europe by 2050."
Currently, Volvo is leading the EV truck segment, with an already varied lineup and the order book open for the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, and Volvo FMX, all pure EV truck models.
Volkswagen and Mercedes are following close behind, with the eTruck starting in 2024 for the former and a medium-duty truck already in production for the latter.
The major hurdle so far for the development of EV trucks is the absence of an efficient dedicated charging network. Christian Levin, CEO of the Traton Group explained in a brief statement: "When we talk to customers about electric trucks, they always ask: Where can we charge? To support as fast as possible, we are teaming up and from today on kick-starting the European charging network."
So, the three companies hope that the new investment plan will clear the path for their fancy new trucks to take over European highways in the near future.
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