Germany has embarked on a new initiative to establish a comprehensive fast-charging network for heavy-duty vehicles nationwide, as part of its ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality in the transport sector by 2045. Despite achieving the lowest greenhouse gas emissions levels in 70 years in 2023, Germany’s transport sector continues to face challenges in meeting its climate targets.
“Power to the Road,” as the initiative is called, plans to deploy 350 fast-charging sites along approximately 95% of Germany’s federal highways. This effort is complemented by plans to expand the country’s electricity grid to accommodate more renewable energy sources.
“Our goal is to let trucks only run on green electricity,” stated Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Public tenders for approximately 130 of these charging locations are scheduled for late summer, according to joint statements from the economy and transport ministries.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing emphasized the critical role of a robust charging infrastructure in enabling climate-friendly mobility and logistics. “With the truck fast-charging network, we are launching a real mammoth project,” Wissing remarked.
Currently, electric vehicles constitute just 2.1% of Germany’s commercial truck fleet, highlighting the significant transition required in the sector. The European Union’s mandate for most new heavy-duty vehicles to be emissions-free from 2040 is expected to drive innovation towards cleaner truck technologies.
“While large battery-electric semi-trailer tractors have recently become available, rapid growth in sales figures can be expected in this segment,” noted Urs Maier, an expert at think-tank Agora Verkehrswende. Despite higher initial costs, electric trucks offer lower total costs per kilometer and energy efficiency benefits, factors expected to accelerate their adoption in the market.
Germany aims to address the substantial greenhouse gas emissions from commercial vehicles, which contribute around a third of the country’s transport sector emissions.
