The mileage of commercial vehicles currently causes about one third of the total emissions in the transport sector. The change in drive systems for long-distance trucks is therefore particularly relevant for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. An important prerequisite for the transition to a largely emission-free vehicle fleet by 2050 is therefore the development of a charging infrastructure that keeps pace with the uptake of corresponding vehicles.
While the issue of charging infrastructure development is gradually finding its way into national infrastructure strategies and political agendas, long-distance transport is by no means only a national issue, but a European one.
In addition to hydrogen fuel cell technology, battery electric trucks can be an important powertrain option in long-distance transport. On the vehicle side, ranges of around 500 km could already be sufficient, as legal requirements regarding the driving times of truck drivers limit the need for longer ranges, depending on the case. Within the European Union, truck drivers have to take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving. This time could be used to recharge the energy for the onward journey. In combination with a new high-performance charging standard, so-called megawatt charging (MCS), there is a suitable solution for users.
The prerequisite, however, is a nationwide fast-charging infrastructure and its development along the most important European corridors.
Currently, there is no coordinated approach across Europe for the development of charging infrastructure for long-distance e-trucks. Local charging infrastructure initiatives are not interconnected and offer limited added value to a coherent TEN-T corridors. The hEVy Charge EU initiative therefore aims to contribute to a European strategy for expanding the charging infrastructure for e-trucks in long-distance transport.
In addition to e-mobil BW, the hEVy Charge EU initiative is currently coordinated by the following regional cluster initiatives and networks from the mobility sector:
These regional networks have access to politics and authorities in their respective regions as well as to stakeholders from industry and research. As a result, the hEVy Charge EU initiative raises awareness and interconnects relevant stakeholders from the individual regions on the topic of charging infrastructure deployment for battery-electric heavy-duty trucks through corresponding activities. For example, regular discussions are held with regional consortia. In addition to activities for exchanging information, raising awareness and networking, the hEVy Charge EU initiative also aims to promote transnational projects.