As Europe moves towards a climate-neutral future, the spotlight is firmly in the electrification of rugged vehicles (HDVs).
New regulations require up to a third of all trucks and buses sold to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030, and the European Union’s path to decarbonization is rapidly accelerating.
However, this has a major obstacle. The European power grid is not yet ready to deal with the surge in demand for HDV charging.
In a recent joint statement, the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) and Eurelectric issued a clear message to EU policymakers. Boosting the electric truck market is only half of the battle.
The other half is about building a robust, future charging infrastructure that can meet the heavy power requirements of these vehicles.
ACEA’s Chief Commercial Vehicle Officer Thomas Fabian explained:
“We need to implement enablement conditions to ensure an effective and efficient transition to zero-emission road transport across the continent.”
Zero Emission Targets Request Emergency Infrastructure Actions
Europe’s revised CO2 regulations (EU Regulation 2024/1610) require between 300,000 to 400,000 zero-emission trucks on roads by 2030.
Complementing this, Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requires that HDV-compatible public charging stations must have public charging stations with a total output of at least 3,600 kW installed every 10 km.
However, the current deployment of this critical infrastructure is lagging behind and is hampered by slowly permitting processes, outdated regulations and grid capacity limitations. Without rapid intervention, the electric HDV revolution could stall before it even begins.
Unique power demand for heavy-duty vehicles
Unlike electric passenger cars, sturdy vehicles require significantly more energy to operate.
With batteries up to 10 times the size and much more frequent charging cycles, electric trucks demand not only higher charging capabilities but smarter plans to avoid disruption to the logistics business.
Timely access to reliable depots and enroute charging is essential for local delivery and long-haul cargo.
Predicting this shift, ACEA and Eurolectric stress stresses the importance of Megawatt Charging Systems (MCSs), designed specifically for heavy vehicles.
These ultra-fast chargers need to be a standard feature of European charging networks to make electric freight transport feasible.
Grid operator holds keys
The cornerstone of this transition is the European Distribution Systems Operator (DSO) who manages our cities and road-powered power networks.
Pre-upgrade your infrastructure based on your forecast HDV charging needs, especially in busy corridors, urban hubs and depots, to keep pace with ACEA and Eurolectric advocates for demand, “expected investments.”
They argue that regulatory reform is extremely important. National authorities must give DSOS the mission and funding certainty to expand the grid ahead of time, rather than catching up when supply and demand are in place.
Fast permissions and grid connections
One important bottleneck identified is the slow pace of permitting procedures. A streamlined, standardized process across EU countries is essential to unlocking the rapid deployment of HDV charging stations.
Digitalization of grid connection requests and building permits, along with harmonized application standards, can dramatically reduce lead times.
A practical example is from the Netherlands, where public grid capacity maps provide real-time visibility to available connection points.
Similar transparency tools will be called ACEA and Eurolectric throughout the EU, enabling better investment decisions and faster development.
Making competitive electricity with diesel
Technology preparation is progressing, but cost competitiveness remains a concern.
Today, electricity is often heavily taxed than diesel, discouraging fleet operators from switching.
ACEA and Eurolectric recommend a request for reform of the Energy Taxation Directive to level the arena, as well as a phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies and a fairer tax regime on electricity.
Flexible charging solutions such as smart charging during vehicle downtime and customized time-based power contracts can also reduce costs and support grid stability.
Supply chain stability is very important
Meeting Europe’s zero-emission HDV targets requires a rapid build-out of charging infrastructure. This means that demand for transformers, cables and other grid components will skyrocket. However, supply chain disruption and rising costs threaten to slow this progress.
To maintain the schedule, the EU will need to strengthen industry resilience, streamline the procurement process and reduce component lead times. Public bids must be simplified and funding thresholds must be updated to reflect today’s economic situation.
Coordinated Plans and Open Data
An effective infrastructure rollout depends on robust data exchange and cross-sector collaboration. OEMs, DSOS, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), and Fleet Managers need consistent access to data on grid capacity, charging demand, and vehicle deployment schedules.
ACEA and Eurolectric’s appeal for interoperable digital systems and shared European data spaces to accommodate this information. In doing so, it supports strategic planning and ensures that charging stations are built where and when they are most needed.
Rethinking grid connection priorities
The current “First Come, First Ferved” model of grid connections is creating inefficiency, with several high-demand projects waiting to be on the rise.
ACEA and Eurolectric propose classifications to ensure fast truck connections and fair and strategic distribution of grid capacity, with the use of massive vehicle charging as “critical infrastructure.”
In the interim, flexible connection agreements will allow early adopters to start operations while a full upgrade is in progress. However, these must be supported by a solid roadmap to provide regulatory clarity and long-term capabilities.
A call for action for the future of European green cargo
Electrification of heavy-duty vehicles is not merely a climate integrity, but a massive economic opportunity. But without a strong, responsive grid and smart policy support, Europe risks losing its decarbonisation goals.
The message of Acea and Eurlectric is clear. Grid preparation must be a top priority. By empowering DSOs, ensuring regulatory reforms, transparent data and fair pricing, the EU can build a charging network suitable for the future of its cargo.
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