In a significant step toward its sustainability objectives, EKLEO, a French road transport company, has inaugurated a high-power charging station dedicated to electric trucks.
The site, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize its logistics operations.
The project includes the deployment of four ultra-fast charging points, each capable of delivering up to 300 kW of power. The infrastructure is powered by a 1000 kVa station and enables full recharging of electric trucks in approximately 1.5 hours. EKLEO partnered with Proviridis for the deployment and selected Kempower as the equipment provider.
This move positions EKLEO among the first mid-sized French logistics operators to invest in a private charging hub for a fleet of electric heavy-duty vehicles.
The company currently operates six electric trucks, including two from Scania, two from Volvo, and two electric tractors from Mercedes-Benz.
According to EKLEO, the site serves as both a logistical asset and a demonstration model for other small and medium-sized transport companies interested in transitioning to e-mobility. The initiative showcases how a clear investment strategy and targeted resource allocation can enable even smaller players to adopt electric transport solutions.
Optimized Charging Performance
The charging infrastructure uses Kempower Station Chargers, known for their modular design and high uptime, reportedly maintaining 99% availability.
This setup allows the system to remain operational even if a power module fails. Additionally, dynamic power sharing ensures that energy is distributed efficiently across multiple connectors based on real-time demand.
This technology minimizes charging time, which is especially critical for truck drivers, who are subject to strict rest period regulations. It also reduces idle energy waste, contributing to a more cost-effective and energy-efficient operation.
During a recent route, EKLEO’s Mercedes Actros e-600 completed a 491-kilometer round trip without stopping to recharge, carrying a 21-ton load.
This marks a milestone for electric truck range performance in France and highlights the operational viability of zero-emission transport on long-distance routes.
Tangible Environmental Impact
EKLEO has been engaged in environmental initiatives since 2015, when it signed the ADEME’s “Objectif CO2” charter. The company has gradually expanded its sustainability actions, becoming one of the first French operators to incorporate electric distribution trucks in 2021.
In 2023, EKLEO received the “Objectif CO2” label from ADEME’s EVE (Voluntary Commitments for the Environment) program. By mid-2024, its electric fleet had covered 42,837 kilometers, avoiding an estimated 46,264 kilograms of CO₂ emissions.
Each journey performed by one of EKLEO’s electric trucks emits up to six times less greenhouse gases than a conventional diesel model. The company aims for 30% of all kilometers traveled by its fleet to be zero-emission by 2027.
Scalability and Future Plans
The current setup allows for further expansion. The site’s 1000 kW grid connection can support two 350 kW chargers, leaving room for additional equipment as the fleet grows.
EKLEO plans to open a second electric truck charging site by 2026 to support its 2027 emissions target.
Kempower’s compact charger design also helps optimize space, leaving room for future installations without requiring significant structural modifications.
“This project illustrates how a medium-sized company can take the lead in electric mobility,” said Cédric Moret, Sales Manager for France at Kempower. “EKLEO has turned sustainability into a practical and scalable business model.”
Proviridis President Éric Ronco added: “We’re proud to support EKLEO in deploying an innovative and efficient charging infrastructure. This partnership proves that the energy transition is not only achievable but also beneficial to all stakeholders.”
