Logistics companies in Germany are encountering significant challenges in integrating electric trucks into their fleets, particularly concerning route planning amid still-developing charging infrastructure.
This issue is anticipated to be addressed through the recently announced fast-charging network for trucks along federal highways by Federal Ministers Dr. Robert Habeck and Dr. Volker Wissing.
However, in the interim, companies must continue to plan their operations with electric vehicles.
In this context, the Bundesverband Paket- und Expresslogistik e. V. (BPEX) reports to Mobility Portal Europe that firms are employing various strategies to address the shortage of public chargers.
“Companies are installing their own charging facilities at depots and surrounding areas. Combined with photovoltaic systems on rooftops, this has a very positive ecological and economic effect,” states a BPEX spokesperson.
This means that, in many cases, trucks are “refuelled” at logistics centres or nearby locations when not in use, especially overnight.
What is the strategy?
Routes are planned to align with a charging cycle, “allowing vehicles to be efficiently recharged at the base station.”
In exceptional cases, such as longer trips or when an eTruck is not at the depot overnight, public facilities are used, which are often less frequent on current roads.
In these instances, fuel cards associated with a fee and the capability to use most “refuelling” points are employed.
“Charging can be easily tracked and analysed using these cards, and each electricity provider indicates the energy mix on the invoice,” he explains.
The German government, through the Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II, is taking steps to improve this situation.
The project includes developing a fast-charging network along Germany’s federal highways, with approximately 350 locations selected for installing truck-compatible infrastructure.
“We are creating the conditions for the transition to mobility to also reach road freight transport,” stated Federal Minister Dr. Robert Habeck during the announcement.
He added: “Our goal is for trucks to run solely on green electricity.”
The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) has published preliminary information on the tender to establish chargers at approximately 130 unmanaged rest areas along the highways.
According to Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing, the concession process will commence in September, with five lots being awarded, each encompassing around 25 locations.
However, the sector also calls for not only promoting the development of a public network but also incentivising the acquisition of zero-emission and low-emission heavy vehicles, given their high cost.
In the context of current policies, uncertainty remains a challenge, with the industry advocating for reliable policy measures.
Concerns include the increase in tolls as the sole revenue source and the exemption of tolls for electric trucks until the end of 2025.
Additionally, considering that most heavy-duty vehicles have a range of approximately 250 kilometres, their use is currently limited primarily to regional transport.
The implementation of regulations such as the German Charging Stations Regulation (LSV) and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) by the European Union is seen as a significant step towards climate neutrality.
Nevertheless, the sector highlights that some questions remain to make the issue more economically attractive.
About Bundesverband Paket- und Expresslogistik e. V. (BPEX)
The Federal Association of Parcel and Express Logistics (BPEX), founded in 1982 and based in Berlin, serves as the primary representative of the courier, express, and parcel services (CEP) industry in Germany.
The organisation represents the economic and political interests of its members before the German Bundestag, federal ministries, and other relevant authorities.
It also coordinates the interests of the CEP industry with municipalities.
At the same time, BPEX is dedicated to providing key information on figures, data, and trends in the sector and remains committed to promoting fair competitive conditions in the CEP market.
