Shell said it will roll out a new integrated charging network across Europe to support the electrification of heavy-duty vehicle fleets, combining its Shell Recharge sites with private, semi-public and third-party charging points.
The network is designed to give long-haul electric trucks and fleets without depot capacity access to charging infrastructure without having to invest in additional facilities. Shell said it will also provide “stable and reduced energy pricing” across the network.
SBRS, part of the Shell Group, will deliver depot-based services such as charging hardware, software integration and energy system support, while other sites will continue operating independently. Shell said participating operators who share their charging locations can generate revenue and cut energy costs.
German logistics firm Contargo is already involved, working with SBRS to develop a large depot charging network. “We truly value our collaboration with SBRS. Fleet electrification only works when charging is fully integrated into daily operations, which is why we’ve combined different models across our network,” said Kristin Kahl, Management Sustainable Solutions at Contargo. “With Contargo planning to roll out 90 electric trucks and 90 charging points by the end of the year, we’re observing how integrated infrastructure can support scaling up and contribute to reducing emissions in logistics operations.”
Conrad Mummert, Head of SBRS at Shell, said the network would lower costs for operators. “Our integrated charging network supports fleet operators by providing dependable access and helps to reduce the total cost of ownership for battery-electric trucks by up to 25%. That reduction is driven by a combination of cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities – from stable, discounted energy pricing and charging optimisation, to monetising depot access during off-peak hours,” he said.