Rapid expansion of electric truck charging programs observed in the United States and Europe

In a significant development, the commercial EV charging industry is witnessing a collaborative effort among standalone operators, utilities, vehicle manufacturers, and financial investors, not just in the United States, but also across Europe.

In the US, companies such as Daimler Truck, Volvo, and utility companies are making substantial investments in high-power charging stations. For instance, a joint venture between Daimler, Blackrock, and Nextera has earmarked $650 million for charging infrastructure in 2023. Similarly, US-based WattEV is developing high-power charging sites with a combined power of 52MW.

Across the Atlantic, Europe is also witnessing a surge in investments. In Spain and Italy, significant investments in high-power charging stations for electric vehicles have been made. Autel Energy Europe, a leading company, recently introduced an advanced charging platform. EU-funded projects supporting fast charging infrastructure along transport corridors are also underway. European initiatives such as the Horizon Europe program fund the development of large megawatt charging parks, involving partnerships across countries. Notably, Spanish Iberdrola and Italian Enelxway are making significant investments in European markets, indicating a diversification in the geographical spread of these projects.

A joint venture involving Daimler, Volvo, and Traton plans to deploy 1700 chargers with a $510 million investment in 2022. Calstart, in collaboration with 15 partners, pooled $13 million in 2022 for charging infrastructure development.

The policy drive in Europe comes from the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulations (AFIR) and the Connected Europe Facility (CEF). These policies provide a supportive backdrop for infrastructure development. The policy target for the TEN-T network in Europe is set for 2025.

However, stakeholders in the charging infrastructure development are facing challenges such as high building costs, expensive equipment, and complex grid connections. Despite these hurdles, the future of commercial EV charging in Europe looks promising, marking a critical step in the drive towards a greener transportation sector.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders are paving the way for a greener commercial transportation sector, with significant investments being made in the US and Europe. The drive towards a sustainable commercial transport network is setting the stage for a more environmentally friendly future.

Rapid expansion of electric truck charging programs observed in the United States and Europe