No public charging points for electric or hydrogen trucks available

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) published data earlier this year on the severe lack of recharging and refuelling infrastructure suitable for electric and other alternatively-powered trucks across the EU.

ACEA issued the data ahead of a decisive meeting on Europe’s first-ever CO2 targets for trucks, which took place on January 22 between representatives of the European Parliament, the 28 national governments and the European Commission as part of the ‘trilogue’ negotiations.

Reaching the ambitious CO2 standards proposed by the EU will only be possible with a rapid and massive market uptake of zero- and low-emission trucks.

According to conservative estimations, at least 6,000 high-power charging points for electric trucks (DC >500 kW) would be needed along EU motorways by 2025/2030. In addition, another 20,000 ‘regular’ charging points suitable for trucks are required − bringing the total to 26,000.

“The shocking fact is that there is not one single public charging point for long-haul trucks available today,” stated ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert. “What is more, a standard for the required high-power plugs doesn’t exist yet.”

Although high-power charging points are being rolled out for electric passenger cars along motorways, heavy-duty trucks cannot use this infrastructure because of their much higher power and energy demand, as well as the many parking spots they would need for charging along all major routes in Europe.

Approximately 1,000 truck-specific hydrogen stations are needed by 2025/2030, but less than 10 are available across the entire EU today – none of which are suitable for long-haul trucks.

“Policy makers must be aware of this alarming situation when agreeing future CO2 targets for trucks, as these are dependent on a massive ramp-up in sales of alternatively-powered trucks,” cautioned Jonnaert. “The targets should be set accordingly – and must be accompanied by an action plan to roll out truck-specific infrastructure across the EU. Customers cannot be expected to invest in alternatively-powered trucks if they do not have the possibility to recharge or refuel them.”

Jonnaert concluded: “ACEA fully supports an agreement on the new truck CO2 standards, but we urge decision makers to ensure that the targets are achievable in practice.”

Check out this ACEA presentation here on the availability of truck-specific charging and refueling infrastructure in the EU for alternatively-powered trucks.