The three companies are combining to make a historic electric charging infrastructure for European trucks
The Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and the Traton Group have all combined to start a European charging infrastructure joint venture.
The trio completed the final step in forming the previously announced joint venture, with Anja van Niersen being appointed CEO of the venture.
The trio are combining to support the European Union’s green deal for carbon-neutral freight transportation by 2050.
The joint venture plans to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charge points on and close at highways and logistics hubs across Europe, forming the larges charging infrastructure investment in the European heavy-duty truck industry to date.
The joint venture will install and manage charging stations for heavy-duty trucks and coaches, becoming a self-standing legal entity based in Amsterdan, Netherlands.
As a clear signal to all stakeholders, the charging network initiated by the three parties will be open and accessible to all heavy commercial vehicles in Europe regardless of brand.
Volvo Group CEO and president Martin Lundstedt says: “This is a long-awaited and major step towards achieving the required charging infrastructure for the roll-out and success of battery-electric long-haul trucks and coaches.”
Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum says the number of charge points under the venture must increase significantly as soon as possible to make electric long-haul trucking a viable solution for customers.
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“It is crucial that we are now taking the initiative for building the much-needed network. We call on the entire industry to join in on our effort,” Daum says.
Traton Group CEO Christian Levin says the joint venture will work quickly to scale up operations and network deployment to provide convenient public charging for heavy-duty vehicles.
“To find the best solutions for the climate challenge is our most urgent priority as an industry and as the Traton Group,” Levin says.
“When we talk to customers about electric trucks, they always ask where they can charge. To support as fast as possible, we have teamed up and we have kick-started the European charging network.”