GOTHENBURG/MUNICH/STUTTGART: Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and the Traton Group are forming a €500 million joint venture to build an European public charging network for electric-powered trucks and coaches from 2022.

The plan is to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charging points on and close to highways plus logistic and destination points by 2027.

The three manufacturers say their plan addresses the need for a network to support truck operators with their transition to CO2-neutral transport solutions, especially in heavy-duty long-distance trucking.

Battery electric vehicle fleet operators will be able to leverage both fast charging tailored to the 45-minute mandatory rest period in Europe as well as overnight charging.

“We are going from words to action, and this planned joint venture with Daimler Truck and the Traton Group is an important step in shaping a world we want to live in,” commented Volvo Group president Martin Lundstedt. “Innovative partnerships like these will enable the much-needed change that will benefit our customers — and the entire industry.”

In May this year the European Automobile Manufacturers Association published a report calling for up to 15,000 high-performance public and destination charging points by no later than 2025, and up to 50,000 high-performance charging points by no later than 2030.