Where to install charging points for e-trucks in Europe? A tricky question, indeed, as the matter of infrastructure availability is crucial for the development of the electric truck market in Europe and beyond. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI released a research aiming at providing some possible answers.

The study about the possible location of charging points for e-trucks

Fraunhofer ISI analysed the GPS coordinates of some 400,000 trucks in operation throughout Europe over a period of 12 months, focusing on the duration of stops at individual locations. The analysis found that 10% of the locations most frequented by trucks in Europe (over 3,000) account for some 50% (78,000) of total stops that trucks make.

With this in mind, ACEA is calling on national governments to ensure that the top 10% truck stop locations within their countries are equipped with suitable electric chargers by 2027 at the latest. The precise locations of all truck stops in 29 European countries are shown in five regional maps: central Europe, northern Europe, south-eastern Europe, southern Europe and western Europe.

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The duration of the stops determines the charging needs

The maps also distinguish the different stopping times of trucks – short stops (under an hour) and long stops (overnight parking). This is important as the duration determines the charging needs, such as the time available for a full recharge and the required power output. The maps also identify exactly where the most used truck stops are found (mainly in rest areas along motorways, company sites, logistic hubs and ports).

«Battery electric trucks will play a major role in decarbonising road freight transport. If enough charging stations are rapidly installed across the EU, their market uptake will increase exponentially over the coming years», stated Martin Lundstedt, Chairperson of ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board and CEO of Volvo Group. «Given that charging stations that are suited to the specific needs of trucks are almost completely missing today, the challenge ahead is huge. That is why we want to help governments and industry stakeholders to direct their investments to where they are most needed».

Highlights

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