Electric Depots: The Key to Electrifying Road Logistics
T&E’s new study finds that depot charging is sufficient for regional delivery (up to 300 km per day). Almost half of the trucks in France, Germany and the UK could be covered by depot charging and would not rely on public charging infrastructure.
As the transportation sector gears up for a massive shift towards sustainability, battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles (BETs) are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine trucks. While these electric trucks are becoming increasingly competitive in regional freight transport, the real game-changer lies in the electrification of depots. T&E’s study highlights that the time to transform our logistics infrastructure is now, as efficient charging solutions at depots could propel the widespread adoption of battery-electric trucks.
The Road Ahead for Electric Trucks
According to OEMs, the share of BETs in European heavy-duty vehicle sales is projected to exceed one-third by 2030. This forecast underscores the urgency for logistics companies to prepare their operations for a future dominated by electric vehicles. Beyond simply acquiring BETs, the establishment of robust depot charging infrastructure is vital. With the European Union's AFIR regulation mandating fast-charging installations along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for long-haul routes by 2030, regional freight logistics must also prioritise depot charging solutions.
Why Depot Charging is Crucial for Regional Logistics
Depot charging offers a seamless and efficient solution for electrifying regional logistics operations. With most trucks returning to their depots at the end of each day, they can easily be charged overnight, ensuring they're ready for the next day’s deliveries. For operations involving shift work, fast-charging options at depots and destinations become a viable solution. Alarmingly, almost half of the trucks currently operating in key markets such as France, Germany, and the UK could be adequately serviced by depot charging, greatly diminishing the reliance on public charging infrastructure.
The financial benefits of depot charging are substantial. It enhances planning security for BET operations, enabling companies to optimise their fleets without the uncertainty associated with public charging facilities. As this infrastructure evolves, it will also stimulate demand for more public charging stations, creating a healthier ecosystem for electric logistics.
Addressing the Bottleneck: Grid Readiness
Despite the promising outlook for depot charging, there are significant obstacles to overcome—most notably, the issue of grid readiness. Current plans often underestimate the future demand for BET charging infrastructure in depots. Among the EU nations, France is emerging as a leader, boasting a medium-voltage grid particularly well-equipped for depot charging, especially in industrial zones.
As the EU moves towards mandating grid capacity transparency with revised electricity market legislation slated for mid-2025, countries like France, Germany, and Spain could see accelerated deployment of depot electrification strategies. This proactive approach is essential for meeting the anticipated demand for high-capacity charging.
Policy Recommendations for a Sustainable Future
To fully harness the potential of depot charging, several policy measures are needed:
Proactive Planning : Authorities should anticipate grid capacities and enhance depot-grid connections to support electric vehicle infrastructure effectively.
Right to Plug : Implementing a "right to plug" policy for depot charging will encourage shared infrastructure, enabling smaller players to access the benefits of electrification.
Funding Instruments : Governments must simplify funding mechanisms to support depot electrification, ensuring logistics companies can make the necessary transitions.
V2G Infrastructure : Mandating vehicle-to-grid (V2G) ready charging infrastructure will provide flexibility and resilience in energy management.
Information Access : Providing clear and accessible information regarding depot charging options is crucial, particularly for small and medium-sized logistics companies looking to navigate the transition.
Conclusion
The need for electrifying road logistics has never been more pressing. As battery-electric vehicles gain traction, the success of this transformation hinges on effective depot charging solutions. By addressing grid readiness and implementing forward-looking policies, governments and businesses alike can ensure a sustainable and efficient future for freight transport. The time has come to embrace depot charging as the cornerstone of electrifying logistics, driving us towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.