The future of transportation: Is the truck fast-charging network now starting on German freeways?

03.07.2024 – Uncertainty about the charging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges for transport logistics companies when using electric trucks. In a groundbreaking announcement, the Federal Ministry of Transport in Germany has now given the official go-ahead for the truck fast-charging network. These new guidelines will not only significantly promote the use of electric trucks, but also pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Under the motto “Power to the Road”, Federal Ministers Dr. Volker Wissing and Dr. Robert Habeck presented this initiative in July 2024 together with the main grid operators responsible and the industry association BDEW. This initiative is intended to achieve the ambitious climate protection targets in the transport sector and create the basis for a rethink in the industry, which is essential for a rapid market ramp-up of e-trucks.

A milestone for electromobility in freight transport

The development of a truck-compatible fast-charging infrastructure along the German highways is of central importance for the future of heavy goods traffic. This network will enable e-trucks to be charged efficiently and quickly. This in turn will accelerate the market launch and use of electric trucks. The planned 350 or so charging infrastructure locations at managed and unmanaged service areas will create an essential basis for the decarbonization of heavy goods traffic. A total of 4,200 charging points with MCS and CCS technology are to be installed at these 350 locations.

The success of this project depends on two central components: Firstly, the expansion of the electricity distribution grid, which is initiated by grid connection applications to the distribution grid operators, and secondly, the installation of the charging points, which is made possible by targeted funding tenders. “The HGV fast-charging network will enable e-trucks to develop their full suitability for everyday use and put all range anxieties to one side. It’s a great signal from Germany. It gives the electrification of logistics another significant boost, which we at Designwerk are very pleased about,” says Thorben Maier, Head of Sales and Customer Service Charging Technology.

Next steps

What is particularly pleasing is that the process seems to be running smoothly. A map with the provisional locations has been published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The necessary infrastructure is already being examined for the first locations. In the next step, the contracts for the grid connections are to be awarded to the grid operators accordingly. The grid connection orders have already been placed for the first locations. And only then will the question of who will equip which locations with the charging stations be decided. This is to take place via a tender for the 130 unmanaged rest areas in late summer 2024. Grid connections are also to be laid in advance at managed rest areas, but the charging points will only be installed later.

We look forward to this initiative with great confidence and are convinced that the truck fast-charging network will not only promote the switch to battery-electric commercial vehicles, but also make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the transportation sector.

Do you have general or specific questions about charging infrastructure? Contact us without obligation: