Decade Energy is redefining urban logistics with its focus on “Decarbonizing Depots,” offering the full chain from electrification opportunity study (EOS), to infrastructure deployment and energy management.
In a conversation with Mobility Portal Europe, Carl Magnus Norden, Co-founder and Chairman of the firm, outlines their future plans.
“Building on our experience from Medium Duty Distribution Trucks, we are expanding our scope to the full future depot electric need, including light commercial vehicles, long-haul HGVs, forklift trucks and personal cars,” states Norden.
“The long term efficiency will come out of a holistic software including all the data- streams, but in the short term we have to have a coordinated plan and the right hardware installed,” he adds.
Currently, the Parisian firm’s flagship projects include enabling deployment of electric trucks in urban distribution centers and collaborative initiatives with logistics partners to transition to zero-emission fleets.
“These projects involve optimizing depot electrification processes, integrating smart grid technologies, and piloting innovative charging solutions,” he mentions.
Decade aims to expand into new markets
Although Decade Energy’s initial operations were centered in France, its home country, the company has strategically expanded into other key markets, such as Germany and Sweden.
“Decade also aims to scale our operations in new European markets and collaborate with industry leaders to advance sustainable mobility solutions,” notes Norden.
“Each market presents unique opportunities and challenges that require tailored strategies and partnerships,” he adds.
In Germany, the focus extends beyond unit deployment to include cooperation with local utilities and municipalities to optimize charging infrastructure and grid integration.
Similarly, in Sweden, efforts concentrate on leveraging renewable energy sources and supporting sustainable logistics solutions.
This multi-market approach allows the company to capitalize on diverse regulatory environments and market dynamics to drive widespread adoption of electric mobility solutions across the continent.
What are the challenges of these markets and how to adapt?
Each country operates differently and presents a series of challenges that require careful adaptation.
“In France, while the stable power grid facilitates reliable charging infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and varying regional incentives demand close collaboration with local authorities and utilities,” explains the Co-founder.
In contrast, in Germany, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources poses challenges to grid stability and infrastructure scalability.
On the other hand, Sweden’s strict environmental regulations and high standards for urban mobility demand advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
Norden states that successfully addressing these challenges involves “leveraging industry expertise, forging strategic partnerships, and staying agile in response to evolving market dynamics.”
Projections for electric mobility in Europe
“We anticipate significant investments in expanding charging equipment, integrating renewable energies, and increasing EV manufacturing capacity,” indicates the representative of Decade Energy, while making predictions about the coming decade.
As pioneers in electric truck solutions, the company’s focus remains on developing scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective mobility solutions that not only meet regulatory requirements but also exceed customer expectations.
“We envision a future where electric vehicles play a crucial role in urban logistics, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing overall urban livability,” states Norden.
The roots of Deca(carbonization of) de(pots) Energy
Founded with the goal of transforming urban logistics through electric mobility solutions, Decade Energy has been leading the way in developing advanced technologies for electric vehicles (EVs).
The brand name originates from the concept of “Decarbonization of Depots,” which is its primary focus.
Its mission is to provide comprehensive solutions that encompass not only the manufacturing of electric units but also the necessary infrastructure for their efficient operation, such as smart charging systems and advanced fleet management services.
“There are many smart people and solutions in all the vertices from Truck2Grid, but our contribution will be to integrate them to an efficient and cost competitive whole. We should not do what others do well” opines the founder.
And he continues: “There are less than 10.000 E-truck in Europe today of a total of 6,5 million. Our common goal with all parties in the ecosystem should be to increase that E-share as quickly as possible, for the global good and health and safety of all.”
By integrating these elements, the company ensures that electric trucks not only meet stringent environmental standards but also provide operational efficiency and profitability for its customers.
