Truck makers finalise EV charging partnership
Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler Truck, the Traton Group which manufactures MAN and Scania vehicles, and the Volvo Group which is responsible for the Volvo and Renault truck brands, have reportedly completed the final step in forming their previously announced joint venture for European charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The manufacturers have announced that Anja van Niersen, who previously served as chairman of the board at European electric vehicle charging provider Allego, will be the CEO of the new joint venture, which is set to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charge points for HGVs and coaches on and near highways and at logistics hubs across Europe.
Daimler, Traton and Volvo are to invest €500 million in total into the project. The partners say its network of charging stations will provide reliable and accessible provision for all battery electric heavy-duty fleet operators, regardless of vehicle brand.
They added that the JV’s formation: “is a call to action to all other industry players, as well as governments and policymakers, to work together for a rapid expansion of the necessary charging network as well as investing in renewable energy in order to reach Europe’s climate targets.”
An agreement to form the joint venture was originally signed in December, and the necessary approvals by authorities have since been obtained. The three partners will own equal shares, but continue to be competitors in all other areas. A brand name for the project is expected to be announced this year.
Martin Daum, CEO at Daimler Truck, commented: “We are very excited to kick off this new joint venture together with our partners. It is crucial that we are now taking the initiative for building up the much-needed charging network.
“Still, we call on the entire industry to join in our effort. The number of charge points has to increase significantly as fast as possible to make electric long-haul trucking a viable solution for our customers.”
Christian Levin, CEO of Traton Group, said: “To find the best solutions for the climate challenge is our most urgent priority as an industry and as the Traton Group. When we talk to customers about electric trucks, they always ask: where can we charge? To support as fast as possible, we are teaming up and from today on kick-starting the European charging network.
“With Anja van Niersen this JV has a CEO with a great deal of experience in setting up charging networks. Anja and her team will support the important journey to enable further progress of sustainable transport.”
Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of Volvo Group, added: “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.
“We are making what would be impossible for one actor alone to accomplish – this strong partnership is a significant milestone and accelerator towards carbon neutral transport in Europe by 2050.”
