The agreement between Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group lays the foundations for a joint venture scheduled for launch in 2022, with all three parties equally owned. The parties plan to jointly invest €500m to build and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green power charging points near roads, logistics points (exit and arrival locations) within five years of the start of the joint venture. Over time, it 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 is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It will benefit from the extensive experience and knowledge of its founding partners in heavy-duty trucking while the joint venture continues its activities.
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 addresses 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. Yet, 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: “We are laying the foundations for a breakthrough that will support our customers' transition to electrification by creating a charging grid leader in Europe. In addition to having strong electromobility technologies, thanks to Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP, and the European Green Deal, 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 15,000 high-performance general and destination charging points to be installed by 2025 at the latest, and up to 50,000 high-performance charging points by 2030 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 chargings 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 implementation 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: Published in May 2021 by ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles), the organization of all major truck manufacturers in Europe and also supported by Volvo Group, Daimler Truck, and TRATON GROUP.