Shell’s Integrated eHGV Charging Network: A Major Step Forward for Fleet Electrification
Photo: Shell
By Brenda Shanahan, Sales Director, ZeroMission
When it comes to scaling zero-emission logistics in Europe, one of the biggest hurdles fleets face is charging infrastructure. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are the backbone of logistics across the continent, and until now, a lack of dependable, integrated charging solutions has slowed the shift to electric.
That’s why Shell’s announcement of a new European integrated EV charging network for heavy-duty vehicles is such an important milestone. This isn’t just about more chargers, it’s about smarter, connected infrastructure that enables fleets of all sizes to accelerate their transition to zero-emissions.
Why This Matters for Fleets
Shell’s new network will bring together four charging pillars:
Shell Recharge public sites for long-distance journeys
Semi-public depot sites accessible to multiple operators
Private charge points for dedicated fleet use
Roaming partner locations, ensuring wide interoperability
What makes this especially exciting is the integration of depot and private charging assets into one streamlined system. Fleets that don’t have the capacity or capital to invest in charging infrastructure can still access reliable charging on the road. Meanwhile, operators with existing depots can open up their sites during off-peak times, unlocking new revenue streams.
This creates a win-win: lower costs, higher flexibility, and more confidence to make the switch.
Driving Down the Total Cost of Ownership
As Conrad Mummert, Head of SBRS at Shell, highlighted, the integrated model could reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for battery-electric trucks by up to 25%. For logistics operators managing razor-thin margins, that figure is a game-changer.
By combining stable energy pricing, smart charging optimisation, and depot monetisation opportunities, fleets are not just reducing operational costs, they’re actively turning infrastructure into an asset.
A Signal to the Market
This move also sends a strong signal to the wider market: the age of fragmented, piecemeal charging solutions is ending. What fleets need, and what Shell is now delivering, is a holistic ecosystem that mirrors the integrated nature of logistics itself.
As Kristin Kahl of Contargo put it, electrification only works when charging is seamlessly woven into daily operations. With Contargo rolling out 90 electric trucks and 90 charging points by year’s end, we’re seeing real evidence of how integrated infrastructure can support rapid scaling.
The Bigger Picture: Confidence for the Transition
At ZeroMission, we know from working with fleets across Europe that one of the biggest barriers to electrification isn’t just cost, it’s confidence. Operators need to know that charging will be accessible, affordable, and dependable before they commit to new vehicles.
Shell’s network directly addresses those concerns. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration between energy providers, technology platforms, and fleet operators can create the conditions for real change.
Final Word
This is exactly the kind of bold infrastructure move the industry needs to move the needle forward in eHGV adoption. For fleet operators still weighing whether the time is right to go electric, the message is clear: the ecosystem is building, the costs are falling, and the future is within reach.
At ZeroMission, we’ll be working closely with our partners and clients to help fleets seize these opportunities, optimising operations, managing mixed-fuel transitions, and ensuring that every charging decision adds value to the business.
The road ahead for eHGVs is electric, and announcements like this bring that future closer.
