Charging stations for e-trucks: a future-proof investment

The shift to electric trucking is gaining momentum. Europe has set the bar high, aiming for 400.000 to 600.000 e-trucks on the road by 2030. But achieving this vision hinges on one thing – a reliable and extensive network of charging stations for e-trucks in the right locations. Those who invest in electric truck charging infrastructure today will drive the future of sustainable logistics and tap into growing demand. Ready to stay one step ahead? Here's how to make well-informed decisions and turn your investment into success.

3 types of charging stations for e-trucks needed

To meet market demands, three types of truck chargers will be essential:

• Slow truck chargers: 
  These low-power chargers require more time to recharge a truck but come with a lower investment cost. They are perfect for overnight charging. During the day, they can double as fast chargers for cars, making them ideal for hotspots that attract both passing cars and trucks from nearby logistics hubs. 
• Fast truck chargers: 
  With higher power and also a higher cost, these chargers can recharge a truck in 1 to 3 hours. They are best suited for depots where trucks can charge while being loaded or unloaded.
• Ultrafast truck chargers: 
  These high-power chargers have a steep investment cost, but they recharge a truck in less than an hour. They cater to ‘charge-and-go’ drivers, and are ideally placed at truck stops near major highways on to serve long-haul routes efficiently.
  

How to make your investment worth it

The key to maximising your investment in charging stations for e-trucks is choosing the right location. This means carefully considering the following factors, that differ from the key elements for car charging stations:

• Car and truck traffic
• Presence of the right local services for truck driversLocal activity levels
• Competition
• Location quality (visibility, accessibility and security)
• Connection cost to the electric grid  
• Optimal usage of the limited grid capacity

Analysing these elements ensures you have a clear overview of the best opportunities for each type of charger at every location. 

The latest module in the ChargePlanner platform gives you all the data you need to assess the potential of truck parkings and industrial zones for each type of charger. By analysing precise truck location data, we’ve mapped the number of trucks on each road segment and their stops at truck parkings or industrial zones. A clear distinction between short stops (perfect for ultrafast chargers), medium stops (for fast chargers) and long stops (for slow chargers) helps you make smart, data-driven decisions. The results can be benchmarked across locations and easily exported as detailed location reports.

What's next?

Currently, the e-truck charging module in ChargePlanner is available in Belgium and France, which we will expand to other European countries early next year. As more truck chargers are installed, we’ll have access to real-time usage data. This means we can finetune performance metrics, giving you even better insights to choose the best location for your e-truck charging station.