These 4 EV Charging Methods Will Be Key for Trucking Fleets to Electrify

This article provides an overview of the essential charging infrastructure for the electrification of heavy-duty trucks, focusing on depot, destination, en-route, and overnight charging solutions.

Market Overview  

The electrification of Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) is gaining momentum, with the demand for sustainable transportation solutions driving the development of advanced charging infrastructure. Unlike light-duty Electric Vehicles (EVs), HDVs have significantly different power needs and operational requirements, demanding specialized solutions to keep fleets operational.

As fleet operators transition to electric trucks and buses, it becomes crucial to establish robust, efficient, and scalable charging systems. This need is addressed through various charging types, each designed to accommodate specific duty cycles and operational conditions.

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“The chicken and egg problem of Electric Truck (eTruck) charging infrastructure and the electrification of truck fleets leads to an elongated and uncertain future for the growth in eTruck charger stock, but the efforts of several stakeholders are driving some adoption. ABI Research forecasts a steady growth path at a 6% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next 12 years, due to lengthy lead times for charger installation and delayed adoption of fleet operators following public charging infrastructure investment.” – Abu Miah, Analyst at ABI Research

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1. Depot Charging

Depot charging is the most common method for HDV fleets, especially for those operating in regional or last-mile deliveries. Charging overnight at depots ensures trucks are ready for the next day’s work. The Volvo FH Aero Electric, for instance, can be fully charged in about 9.5 hours using a 43 Kilowatt (kW) Alternating Current (AC) charger, covering 300 Kilometers (km).

Depot charging provides a cost-effective solution, particularly for fleets with predictable routes. Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) models—where external providers install, own, and operate charging infrastructure—further enhance efficiency by relieving operators of daily charging responsibilities.

2. Destination Charging

Destination charging—also referred to as opportunity charging—occurs at regular stops during operations, such as logistics hubs or warehouses. For regional fleets, this method is valuable, as electric trucks can charge while unloading or loading goods. A typical 400 kW Combined Charging System (CCS) charger can recharge an electric truck in about an hour, which is sufficient during breaks in the workday.

Destination charging allows for extended fleet operation without the need for long downtime. Similar to depot charging, many logistics operators may prefer CaaS providers to manage and maintain the charging infrastructure, avoiding the need for heavy investment.

3. En-Route Charging

For long-haul trucking, en-route charging provides the necessary infrastructure to keep vehicles operational on extended routes. Megawatt Charging System (MCS) chargers are vital here, offering over 500 km of range in just 45 minutes of charging.

This is crucial for long-haul freight that requires frequent, rapid charging during rest breaks. In comparison, CCS chargers typically offer 250 km of range in the same time frame, which may not be sufficient for many long-haul duty cycles. With en-route charging, HDVs can remain operational, covering longer distances and meeting regulatory requirements for driver rest breaks.

4. Overnight Charging

Overnight charging is vital for long-haul fleets, providing ample time for recharging during truck drivers' rest periods. In the European Union (EU), drivers have 10 hours of rest each day, and drivers in the United States get 14 hours. CCS chargers with 43 kW AC or 100 kW DC are sufficient to recharge these trucks overnight, ensuring HDVs are ready for the next day’s journey.

While en-route and destination charging offer more immediate solutions, overnight charging plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term efficiency and availability of electric long-haul trucks.

Key Companies

• Kempower
• Milence
• Power Electronics
• Siemens

Conclusion

For ABI Research’s full analysis on the current outlook for EV trucking charging infrastructure, download the report: Charging Infrastructure for Heavy-Duty Vehicles.