Lidl Netherlands has completed the rollout of electric truck charging infrastructure at its six distribution centres, with the latest installation at its Waddinxveen logistics hub. The retailer plans to use the network to support electric deliveries to all 440 of its Dutch stores from 2027.
The charging hubs are located at distribution centres in Almere, Heerenveen, Oosterhout, Weert, Etten-Leur and Waddinxveen. The facilities use electricity from renewable sources, including solar power generated at some of the sites.
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Waddinxveen serves stores across South Holland and parts of Utrecht. Lidl has not disclosed the number or power rating of chargers installed at the site, although charging equipment from suppliers including ABB and Kempower is visible in company materials.
At the Almere distribution centre, Lidl previously announced charging infrastructure using CCS connections, with megawatt charging system (MCS) technology expected to support charging at up to 1.2 MW in the future. It has not been confirmed whether the Waddinxveen site has the same MCS capability.
The retailer said its charging infrastructure can also be used by freight forwarders and other local businesses at favourable rates and with guaranteed charging times. Lidl said this approach can help make better use of available grid capacity while supporting wider transport electrification.
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Lidl brought forward its target for supplying all of its Dutch stores with electric trucks by three years to 2027. The company said the latest electric trucks in its fleet can travel more than 500 km on a charge, although it has not disclosed the total number of electric trucks currently operating in the Netherlands.
The retailer began trials of electric deliveries in Amsterdam more than a decade ago. The charging network is intended to provide the infrastructure needed to expand the use of battery-electric trucks across its Dutch distribution operations.
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Ruud Metten, Head of Transport at Lidl Netherlands, said the project demonstrates the potential financial and operational benefits of planning for the transition over the longer term.
“With the rollout of this project, we are showing that a long-term vision pays off. In the end, it brings financial and organizational benefits if you are willing to look ahead, roll up your sleeves and invest in sustainable solutions. This demonstrates that a full transition to large-scale electric transport is achievable. The switch also brings clear benefits on the road and in the surrounding area: our drivers are extremely satisfied with the quiet, comfortable cabins and fast charging, while local residents greatly appreciate the virtually silent, emissions-free deliveries. And we are not doing this alone: by sharing our experiences and opening our charging facility to other businesses, we are also giving companies in the surrounding area a practical way to take part in the energy transition.” — Ruud Metten, Head of Transport at Lidl Netherlands.