Currently, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are competing to secure the best locations for installing electric car charging stations.
But what about the heavy-duty transport sector?
Jascha Metin, Commercial Director at ChargePlanner, explains, “The first to invest in truck infrastructure will secure the best locations.”
This way, they will avoid competing for these spots in the future.
However, those who do so must face the risks associated with the return on their investment.
“The future demand for truck charging is still uncertain, and investments in high-power charging infrastructure are enormous,” acknowledges Metin during the “Voice of eMobility Leaders” event, organised by Mobility Portal Europe.
In this context, he highlights that identifying critical locations and optimising the configuration of charging stations will be key to developing profitable sites.
So, how can this be done?
ChargePlanner offers a software solution designed to predict the use of future charging sites and define their optimal configurations by separately evaluating the potential for slow, fast, and ultra-fast charging, as well as the ideal price.
The company launched this specific solution for electric trucks in France and Belgium.
However, from April, it will also be available in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with availability in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Poland by the end of June.
“Our first clients are satisfied. They can now analyse every possible truck parking space based on its theoretical potential, using various market data such as traffic, stops, logistics sites, and services,” says the Commercial Director.
He continues: “They can also rank all potential sites through a scoring model that combines this data.”
On 26th March, ChargePlanner will hold a webinar in collaboration with Mobility Portal Europe to present this solution in detail.
What are the ideal power levels for truck charging?
“Truck charging is a new and completely different field compared to cars. Stakeholders want to know more about how it is evolving to ensure a profitable assessment of sites,” says Metin.
On one hand, the Commercial Director mentions slow chargers – those with a power output of less than 100 kilowatts – which are typically used overnight or for at least three hours.
“If ultrafast chargers for cars are planned for installation and there is enough parking space, this location could also be suitable for slow truck chargers,” he illustrates.
However, he points out that sufficient logistical potential in the surrounding area will be needed for the facility to succeed.
Secondly, Metin highlights fast chargers, with up to 400 kilowatts.
These are commonly used for stops of between one and three hours, such as those at logistics centres while goods are being loaded or unloaded from vehicles.
Finally, he mentions ultrafast truck chargers – those with more than 400 kilowatts – which are typically used for short stays of up to one hour.
“These are used by long-distance drivers, which is why they are installed on motorways and near major logistics flows,” he explains.
How can CPOs establish an ideal strategy?
Just like with electric trucks, public fast chargers – with up to 150 kilowatts – are designed for destination charging, meaning they are intended to be combined with visits to shopping centres and leisure areas.
As for ultrafast chargers – those with more than 150 kilowatts – they are intended to serve users who are making long journeys and need to recharge during their trip.
According to ChargePlanner’s measurements, many drivers today prefer to use ultrafast chargers not only for the time savings they offer, but also for the cost.
“CPOs are not correctly charging the convenience fee in their local pricing strategy,” admits Metin.
The reality is that, in many countries, the price per kilowatt for fast and ultrafast charging is the same, which encourages consumers to choose the latter option more frequently.
On the other hand, the company highlights that price sensitivity is increasing due to the growing number of electric vehicle drivers and the requirements set out in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
“Therefore, if CPOs know how to establish a local pricing strategy, it generates higher margins,” explains the Commercial Director.
With its solution, ChargePlanner allows operators to forecast the usage based on pricing simulations.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that in some countries, finding ultrafast charging points can be challenging.
“At the moment, this is the main challenge for all CPOs,” he acknowledges.
That is why the company’s platform integrates all possible parking spaces, so they can be visualised.
“Together, this tool allows users to quickly and efficiently identify the most interesting sites and guide the search for optimal locations,” he emphasises.
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