Milence - Experts & Thought Leaders

Berg Insight just released new findings about the market for heavy electric commercial vehicle charging infrastructure in Europe and North America. The total number of connected charging points in Europe is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 67 percent from 6,400 in 2022 to 390,000 by the end of 2030. In North America, Berg Insight estimates that the total number of connected charging points will increase from 4,150 in 2022 to reach 378,000 by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 76 percent. These numbers include both public and non-public charging points. Mega-challenges such as vehicle emissions and climate change continue to encourage investments in electric commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure, contributing to a positive outlook for the market. Commercial Vehicle Charging Market The commercial vehicle charging market is served by a variety of players such as electric commercial vehicle OEMs, charge point operators (CPOs), charging equipment manufacturers, and software providers. The market is still in its very early stages in both Europe and North America. However, several notable CPOs have initiated projects and pilot charging stations. Circle K, BP Pulse, and Milence are among the companies that have opened charging stations Circle K, BP Pulse, and Milence are among the companies that have opened charging stations or announced plans for heavy commercial vehicle charging infrastructure in Europe. In North America, ChargePoint, Forum Mobility, Greenlane, and TeraWatt Infrastructure are making efforts in developing charging networks for heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles. DC Charging Solutions In North America, there are a number of regional as well as international companies marketing DC chargers for commercial vehicles. “ChargePoint is a pioneering player on the market and is a full-service provider offering hardware, software, and CPO services,” said Niclas Palmstromer, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight. Other major hardware providers serving the region include ABB, Blink Charging, BorgWarner, BTC Power (E.ON), Demand Detroit, Delta Electronics, Kempower, and Siemens. In Europe, the market for DC charging solutions is more fragmented than in North America. Prominent actors include ABB, ADS-TEC Energy, Alpitronic, Ekoenergetyka, EVBox, Heliox, Kempower, and Siemens. There are several software-specific providers in both regions, offering connectivity solutions for charging. Solutions include fleet management tools, peak shaving, and smart charging management. Examples of software-specific actors include Ampeco, Driivz, Virta, and Noodoe. Advanced load management techniques Software-enabled connectivity allows for the performance of developed load-managing techniques “Connectivity will be crucial for managing the charging process effectively and a vital part of the charging infrastructure for both non-public and public charging,” said Love Meuller, IoT Analyst at Berg Insight. This capability enables businesses and charging station operators to have real-time insights into the charging status, availability and performance of charging points. Connected charging points can be closely monitored and controlled, utilizing surplus energy or charging during periods of low energy prices. Software-enabled connectivity also allows for the implementation of advanced load management techniques, optimizing charging processes through algorithms and data analysis. “This can ensure a controlled power draw, preventing grid overloading and enhancing operational efficiency by reducing charging time for individual vehicles,” added Mr. Mueller. Moreover, connectivity enables drivers to locate chargers, monitor charging availability, book chargers and manage payments through smartphone apps. Demand response strategies Furthermore, the integration of smart grid technologies and demand response strategies presents additional benefits. “By aligning charging patterns with renewable energy generation, sustainable charging practices can be promoted, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources,” concluded Mr. Mueller. Demand response strategies enable charging to be dynamically adjusted based on grid conditions, which reduces peak demand and further enhances grid stability and energy efficiency.

Against the backdrop of the Swedish EU Presidency and in the presence of German Transport Minister, Volker Wissing and the Swedish Transport Minister, Andreas Carlson, ABB E-mobility, TRATON, DHL Freight and Milence jointly discussed the progress and challenges in the electrification of long-distance commercial vehicles at the Swedish Embassy in Berlin. While the electrification for middle and last mile logistics is gaining greater traction, electric heavy-duty long-distance transport is still in its infancy. Megawatt charging represents an opportunity for more widespread adoption of sustainable transport solutions for long haul commercial vehicles.  Sustainable transport future for heavy duty vehicles Key industry stakeholders are working collaboratively to pave the way for a sustainable transport future" Michael Halbherr, the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ABB E-mobility explained: “The electric truck market is still nascent but the technology is there and significant progress is already being made. Key industry stakeholders are working collaboratively to pave the way for a sustainable transport future for heavy duty vehicles.” He adds, “Firstly, by working on key technologies such as megawatt charging and digital charging management solutions, and secondly, by providing and optimizing solutions for the special requirements of long-distance transport like power density, greater grid capacity, microgrid integration and the demands of tough driving schedules." Technology for transition to sustainable transportation Michael Halbherr continues, “At ABB E-mobility, we are drawing on our experience in developing world-renowned EV charging solutions alongside key stakeholders across the sector to enable the needed progress, and continue to encourage support from policymakers across Europe.” From a vehicle perspective, Christian Levin, CEO TRATON stated: “The technology for the transition to sustainable transportation is ready — for trucks and buses and for charging stations. The TRATON GROUP brands have already proved that their battery electric vehicles are suitable for everyday use and can withstand even the harshest of conditions.” Megawatt Charging System (MCS) Christian Levin continues, “Battery technology has advanced so much that a truck can now cover more than 1.5 million kilometers — in other words its entire lifespan — without needing to replace its battery. With the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), another crucial component of battery technology is also up and ready to go.” Christian Levin adds, “We now need policymakers to act quickly and give us their widespread support so that we can build a high-performance European charging network at the required speed. This would then pave the way for the European Union to reach its climate goals.” First successful charging session The past twelve months show the huge steps leading companies and institutions of the industry, among these, ABB E-mobility and TRATON, have achieved with regards to MCS. Together, they have already developed a first draft of the MCS standard. ABB E-mobility announced a pilot megawatt charging system had been successfully installed in Sweden Only few days ago, together with Scania, a brand of TRATON, ABB E-mobility announced a pilot megawatt charging system had been successfully installed and tested in Sweden. Although the charging power is not yet in the megawatt range, the initial testing, to prove the technical feasibility of the system and connector, and allowing first software communication between charger and vehicle, is considered the next milestone in the development of an efficient, high power charging solution for heavy duty vehicles. Progressive deployment of high-power chargers With the progressive deployment of high-power chargers, with a final target current of 3000 A, the technology will enable half the charging time for heavy duty vehicles compared to charging solutions available today. In addition to megawatt charging, the existing CCS standard will also play a key role. To ensure the seamless operation of electric fleets, in addition to charging solutions installed at depots, it is crucial to have sufficient charging points available along highways, where charging during breaks and overnight charging with lower power is possible. To achieve this, grid expansion, the supply of renewable energy and digital charging management solutions must be driven forward at pace. Setting the electrification agenda Policymakers must set the course so that electro-mobility can work efficiently for long-distance transport As the panelists at the Swedish Embassy discussed, expertise and innovation from industry stakeholders alone will not be enough. Instead, policymakers must set the course so that electro-mobility can work efficiently for long-distance transport. More speed in planning and approval procedures, as well as harmonization of the respective requirements in building laws of the federal states are crucial for rapid ramp-up. The panelists also agreed that the industry needs clear signals from policymakers, in order to build confidence among EU wide logistics companies and EU member states who have yet to embrace the benefits which e-mobility solutions for heavy duty trucking can deliver. Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is a good step in this direction as well as EU funded projects like ZEFES (Zero Emissions flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System), which brings together various players from industry and research, to test a variety of heavy-duty long-distance vehicle concepts. ABB E-mobility is enabling zero-emission mobility as a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. They are a partner of choice for the world’s biggest EV OEMs and nationwide EV charging network operators, offering the widest portfolio of EV charging solutions from smart chargers for the home to high-power chargers for the highway stations of the future, solutions for the electrification of fleets and charging for electric buses and trucks. With approximately 1,500 employees around the world, ABB E-mobility has sold more than one million EV chargers across more than 85 markets, including over 50,000 DC fast chargers.