**London**: The adoption of electric trucks in Europe is hampered by charging infrastructure challenges, as highlighted by Shell’s Aleid van der Wiel. Collaboration between fleet operators and technology providers is essential to overcome these barriers and promote efficient electric vehicle use in the commercial road transport sector.
Electric trucks are an emerging element in Europe’s commercial road transport (CRT) sector, but their widespread adoption faces significant challenges related to charging infrastructure, a scenario described as a ‘chicken and egg’ dilemma. Aleid van der Wiel, Head of Public eMobility & Power at Shell Commercial Road Transport, highlighted these challenges in a recent discussion regarding electrification in the industry.
The urgency for CRT fleets to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) stems from the need for emissions reduction, yet many fleet managers are hesitant to make the necessary investments. According to research, nearly 64% of CRT fleets feel that the energy infrastructure required for this transition is currently insufficient, adding to their reluctance to adopt EVs. “This undermines the business case for electric truck adoption while making it more difficult to justify the investment in charging infrastructure at scale,” van der Wiel explained in an interview with Logistics Business.
The conversations around infrastructure development suggest that effective charging solutions should alleviate some of these concerns. Businesses should collaborate closely with expert providers to outline strategies that meet both current and future operational requirements. Shell, for instance, is engaging with CRT fleets to develop tailored charging setups that promote operational resilience and efficiency. This collaboration includes the provision of eDepot solutions that deliver comprehensive charging facilities for trucks, enhancing the overall cost-effectiveness of transitioning to electric vehicles.
A significant step in this development was the opening of Shell’s first heavy-duty public truck charging site in Eindhoven Acht, Netherlands in 2023. This facility features 300kW charging bays, parking facilities, and guaranteed charger availability, demonstrating how fleets can efficiently maintain their routes using electric trucks.
Collaboration in the industry extends beyond fleet operators to include Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and energy suppliers. Van der Wiel underscored the importance of these partnerships in driving electric truck adoption. He noted that Shell is working closely with OEMs to ensure the compatibility of charging infrastructure with vehicles, which is paramount for efficient charging processes and overall user experience. Moreover, advancements in technology have been facilitated by Shell’s acquisition of SBRS in 2022, aimed at enhancing interoperability and charging quality.
Looking towards the future, van der Wiel envisions a landscape characterised by robust, high-speed, and flexible charging solutions. He emphasised that achieving low total cost of ownership (TCO) necessitates integrating charging infrastructure with fleet and energy management systems, leveraging software, including AI, to create optimal charging strategies. This could entail linking fleet schedules with energy market dynamics to identify the most cost-effective charging options.
An example of innovative technology being developed includes a proof-of-concept Megawatt (MW) dual charger specifically designed for commercial road transport and marine applications. This project at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam aims to provide a fully integrated system for sustainable energy management, showcasing how such systems can support decarbonisation goals while maintaining operational cost-effectiveness.
As the electrification of CRT continues to evolve, the careful orchestration of partnerships between fleet operators, technology providers, and energy companies will be critical in overcoming existing barriers and supporting a more sustainable transport future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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