Beyond The Depot: The Critical Expansion Of Truck Charging Infrastructure

Key Takeaways:

• Trucks emitted approximately 1.8 billion metric tons of CO₂ globally in 2022.
• Only 60% of electric truck charging is expected to occur at depots; the remaining 40% must happen en route.
• Germany and California are investing heavily in high-power charging networks for electric trucks.
• The U.K. currently has only one public rapid charging point for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
• Government support and investment are crucial to advance electric truck infrastructure and reduce emissions.

Driving Toward a Sustainable Future

The transportation sector stands as one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with trucks playing a significant role. In 2022 alone, trucks emitted approximately 1.8 billion metric tons of CO₂ worldwide. As the backbone of the global supply chain, trucks are essential for moving goods—but their environmental impact cannot be ignored.

Beyond the Depot: The Charging Challenge

While electric cars and vans have made strides in depot-based charging solutions, heavy-duty trucks present a different challenge. Current predictions indicate that only 60% of electric truck charging will occur at depots. This means a significant 40% of charging needs to happen en route, necessitating the development of high-power charging networks along major transport routes.

“Vans and smaller fleets predominantly charge in depots—the industry estimates around 90%—but heavy-duty trucks are different,” the article notes. The long-haul nature of trucking requires infrastructure that can support high-powered, efficient charging to keep goods moving without significant delays.

Global Leaders: Germany and California’s Investments

Recognizing the critical need, Germany is making significant strides in expanding its electric vehicle charging capabilities. The Federal Autobahn GmbH is testing and deploying new infrastructure at key highway locations, focusing on robust grid connections to handle high-power demands. This aligns with Germany’s ambitious Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II, aiming to establish a nationwide fast-charging network tailored to heavy-duty vehicles.

Similarly, California has committed over $5.7 billion to electrify its truck network. This includes a $1.4 billion and a $1.9 billion investment plan by the California Energy Commission to expand charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, plus $2.4 billion dedicated specifically to medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging. California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation mandates that an increasing percentage of trucks sold must be zero-emission, pushing the development of megawatt charging systems and charging hubs at key logistics points.

The U.K.’s Urgent Call to Action

In stark contrast, the U.K.’s charging infrastructure for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is severely lacking. Currently, there is only one public rapid recharging point available for electric trucks, making long-haul journeys impractical and posing a significant barrier to widespread adoption.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called for greater collaboration between the government and industry, increased investment, and a clear plan for advancing truck electrification. Efforts are underway to develop a trial network of HGV charging points and fast-track planning applications for electric substations at depots. However, these initiatives require substantial government support.

One major hurdle is the high upfront cost of transitioning to electric trucks. While the U.K. government’s Plug-in Truck Grant scheme offers financial assistance, it is set to end in 2025, potentially leaving a gap in support for fleet operators. To drive meaningful change, extending and expanding these incentives is crucial to keep the shift to electric trucks economically viable.

Learning from Success: The Bus Sector Model

The U.K. can draw valuable lessons from the bus sector, where government funding has been instrumental in electrifying fleets. Programs like the Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme and the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme have provided essential support, enabling operators to meet net-zero goals. Adopting similar initiatives for electric trucks could foster a robust charging network and support fleet operators with necessary grants and subsidies.

The Road Ahead

For the U.K. to remain competitive and meet environmental targets, addressing regulatory hurdles and committing to significant investments in electric truck infrastructure is imperative. Collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and logistics providers will be crucial to overcoming barriers and unlocking the full potential of electric trucks.

With the right policies, investments, and innovations, electric trucks can drive us toward a more sustainable and efficient future for transportation. The journey to decarbonize logistics is well underway, but immediate action is necessary to ensure that progress continues and accelerates.