Europe has set a target of having between 400,000 and 600,000 electric trucks on the roads by 2030.
However, achieving this goal requires a reliable and extensive network of charging stations in the right locations.
According to ChargePlanner, those who invest in charging infrastructure for electric trucks today will drive the future of sustainable logistics and capitalise on the growing demand.
The company explains how to make well-informed decisions and turn investment into success.
3 types of charging stations for e-trucks needed
To meet market demands, three types of truck chargers will be essential:
Slow truck chargers
These low-power chargers require more time to recharge a truck but come with a lower investment cost. They are perfect for overnight charging.
During the day, they can double as fast chargers for cars, making them ideal for hotspots that attract both passing cars and trucks from nearby logistics hubs.Â
Fast truck chargers
With higher power and also a higher cost, these chargers can recharge a truck in one to three hours.
They are best suited for depots where trucks can charge while being loaded or unloaded.
Ultrafast truck chargers
These high-power chargers have a steep investment cost, but they recharge a truck in less than an hour.
They cater to “charge-and-go” drivers, and are ideally placed at truck stops near major highways on to serve long-haul routes efficiently.
How to make your investment worth it
The key to maximising the investment in charging stations for e-trucks is choosing the right location.
This means carefully considering the following factors, that differ from the key elements for car charging stations:
- Car and truck traffic
- Presence of the right local services for truck driversLocal activity levels
- Competition
- Location quality (visibility, accessibility and security)
- Connection cost to the electric grid Â
- Optimal usage of the limited grid capacity
Analysing these elements ensures you have a clear overview of the best opportunities for each type of charger at every location.
What’s next?
Currently, the e-truck charging module in ChargePlanner is available in Belgium and France, with plans to expand to other European countries early next year.
As more truck chargers are installed, the company will gain access to real-time usage data.
This will enable them to fine-tune performance metrics, providing users with even better insights to select the optimal location for their e-truck charging station.
