Three of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group, have signed a non-binding agreement to build and operate a Europe-wide high-performance public charging network dedicated to battery-electric heavy long-haul trucks and buses.
The agreement between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and the Volvo Group lays the foundations for a joint venture that is scheduled to be operational in 2022 and is equally owned by all three parties. The parties plan to establish and operate at least 500 high-performance green energy charging points close to highways, logistics points (exit and destination locations), by investing 1.700 million Euros together, within five years from the start of the joint venture. ZamIt is aimed to significantly increase the number of charging points by finding additional public funding and new partners. The joint venture planned to be realized is envisaged to operate under its own corporate identity and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. While the joint venture continues its activities, it will benefit from the extensive experience and knowledge of its founding partners in heavy-duty trucking.
The joint venture will act as an accelerator and facilitator in the realization of the Green Deal, which includes the European Union's goal of transitioning to carbon-neutral freight transport by 2050, both by providing the necessary infrastructure and targeting green energy at charging points. The joint venture of Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and TRATON GROUP is addressing the urgent need for a high-performance charging network to support truck operators in the transition to CO2-neutral transport solutions, particularly in heavy-duty long-haul trucking. High-performance charging infrastructure enabling long-distance CO2-neutral trucking is one of the cost-effective ways to quickly and effectively reduce emissions from the transport sector.
Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck: “The common goal of truck manufacturers in Europe is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But building the right infrastructure is just as important as putting CO2 neutral trucks on the road. That is why we are very excited to take this pioneering step, together with the TRATON GROUP and the Volvo Group, to build a high-performance charging network across Europe.”
Matthias Gründler, CEO of TRATON GROUP: “For TRATON GROUP, it is clear that the future of transport lies in electricity. This necessitates the rapid development of public charging points, especially for long-distance heavy-duty transport. Now, together with our partners Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group, we are striving to realize this high-performance network as soon as possible. We have taken the first step to accelerate the transition to sustainable, fossil-free transportation. The second step should be strong EU support for the comprehensive expansion of this Europe-wide charging network.”
Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group: “By creating a charging grid leader in Europe, we are laying the foundations for a breakthrough that will support our customers' transition to electrification. In addition to having strong electromobility technologies, thanks to Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP and the European Green Consensus, we now have the industry alliance and favorable political environment needed to make progress in sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions.”
A recent industry report* calls for up to 2025 high-performance general and destination charging points to be installed by 15.000 at the latest, and up to 2030 high-performance charging points by 50.000 at the latest. The action of partners therefore constitutes a call to action for governments and regulators, as well as all other industry players, to work together to contribute to the achievement of climate goals by rapidly expanding the required charging network. A joint venture of the three parties, this charging network will be open and accessible to all commercial vehicles in Europe, regardless of brand, as a clear signal to all stakeholders in the industry.
Customer-oriented approach that considers different applications
Different applications will be considered, focusing on the needs of customers. The battery electric vehicle fleet operators will be able to take advantage of both fast charging adapted to the joint venture's top priority and the mandatory 45-minute rest period for long-haul transport in Europe, as well as charging their vehicles overnight.
Partner in venture, but competitor in all other areas
Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and TRATON GROUP will have equal shares in the planned joint venture, but will continue to compete in all other areas. The realization of the joint venture is subject to regulatory and other approvals. The joint venture agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2021.
* Industry Report: The organization of all major truck manufacturers in Europe and the same zamIt was published in May 2021 by ACEA, the Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles, currently supported by Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and TRATON GROUP.
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