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Daimler Truck UK is emphasizing the critical need for increased investment in the United Kingdom’s public charging infrastructure to support the transport industry’s transition to electric vehicles. According to James Venables, Head of Future Sustainability at Daimler Truck UK, while recent government funding is a positive step, a more robust and strategically planned network is essential for building operator confidence and driving the adoption of electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs).
Key Highlights
- Daimler Truck UK calls for greater investment in public HGV charging stations beyond the government’s £30 million Depot Charging Scheme.
- Effective charging points must have high power ratings, such as megawatt charging systems, and be strategically located along key transport routes.
- Intelligent network features, including cost-effective pricing, pre-booking, and real-time availability, are crucial for operational efficiency.
- With proper infrastructure, trucks like the eActros 600 could travel over 1,000 km (620 miles) daily by integrating charging with mandatory driver breaks.
- Daimler Truck supports operators through its TruckCharge service, offering holistic advice and support for transitioning to electric fleets.
The Need for Effective Charging Infrastructure
While acknowledging the government’s Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) as a “great start,” Venables highlighted that more is required to accelerate the uptake of battery-electric trucks. The call is not just for more charging locations but for a smarter infrastructure. For public charging points to be truly effective for HGVs, they must offer sufficiently high power ratings and be located in the right places on the road network.
Cost is another significant factor. Venables stated, “Public charging should be cost competitive.” He also noted the importance of an intelligent network that allows drivers to pre-book charging slots and view availability in advance, enabling fleets to operate with maximum efficiency and encouraging more businesses to make the switch to electric.
Integrating Charging with Work Patterns
A key element in making electric trucks a practical reality is the ability to integrate charging into daily work patterns. Ideally, operators should be able to charge vehicles at their own depots, at delivery sites, and at strategic public stations. This approach avoids dedicated, time-consuming stops solely for charging.
High-powered and megawatt charging systems are particularly effective, as they allow battery top-ups to align perfectly with mandatory driver breaks. For example, Daimler Truck’s eActros 600 has a range of at least 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge. With standard CCS charging at up to 400kW, it can charge from 20-80% in under 60 minutes. Once megawatt charging becomes widely available, this time is expected to drop to about 30 minutes, allowing a truck to cover 1,000 km (620 miles) in a single day without any enforced charging stops.
H4: Building Operator Confidence
The private sector is already making strides, with Daimler Truck’s Milence joint venture—a collaboration with Volvo Group and the Traton Group—building a public charging network across Europe, including its first UK location in Immingham. However, Venables believes that government investment remains vital.
“The more we can do to support early adopters of electric trucks, the more vehicles will be seen out and about on our roads… and that will give other operators the confidence that electric trucks can work successfully in the real world,” he said. This visibility is essential for removing any lingering doubts about the feasibility of electric transportation.
A Comprehensive Support System
Daimler Truck is committed to leading the transition to sustainable transportation, with a goal for its entire model range to be zero-emission by 2039 through a dual strategy of electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology. To assist customers, the company offers TruckCharge, a holistic service providing free advice and support. This service includes route analysis, cost breakdowns with potential subsidies, and digital charging management.
“We want to help operators considering eHGVs to overcome any perceived obstacles,” Venables concluded. “Now all the industry needs is the investment in public charging stations to remove any final doubts that electric trucks are the future.”
For more information, visit Daimler Truck.
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