A new study from Transport & Environment highlights that charging depots are essential for accelerating the adoption of battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles (BETs) in regional transport. As battery-electric trucks (BETs) are already competitive with internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks in regional freight transport, depot charging is seen as a crucial enabler for rapid market growth.

According to the report, OEMs expect that by 2030, over one-third of heavy-duty vehicle sales in Europe will be electric. To achieve this, it is crucial for charging depots to prepare now for the growing demand for electric vehicle charging.

Depot Charging: Key to regional battery-electric logistics

The study shows that depot charging is sufficient for regional deliveries (up to 300 km per day), as most trucks return to their depots at the end of the day and can be charged overnight. Additionally, trucks used in shift operations can be electrified using fast charging infrastructure at both the depot and the destination. In countries like France, Germany, and the UK, almost half of the trucks could be covered by depot charging without needing to rely on public charging infrastructure.

This approach is particularly relevant in the coming years as the AFIR Directive is implemented. Depot charging significantly increases the operational planning security for BETs, which will also positively impact the demand for public charging infrastructure.

Grid readiness: The bottleneck for depot electrification

The report also notes that grid extension plans in the analyzed countries underestimate the future demand for BET charging at depots. France’s medium-voltage grid is the most prepared for depot charging, especially in industrial areas. Starting in mid-2025, EU electricity market legislation will require grid capacity transparency, which will simplify the planning for depot electrification in France, Germany, and Spain.

Policy recommendations

To support the electrification of depots, the report makes several key policy recommendations:

1. Plan grid capacities and depot-grid connections proactively.

2. Implement a right to plug for depot charging and encourage shared depot charging.

3. Support depot electrification with simple funding instruments.

4. Ensure enabling conditions for depot charging.

5. Mandate V2G-ready charging infrastructure.

6. Provide and improve accessible information for logistics companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses.

The report underscores the importance of charging depots in the transition to a more sustainable and efficient electric logistics system, emphasizing the need for proper grid preparation and policy support to ensure a successful rollout of electric heavy-duty vehicles across Europe.