In the ongoing effort to help decarbonise the haulage sector, BP has launched its first facility for 300 KW fast chargers for medium- and heavy-duty trucks off the major German B9 road at Schwegenheim in Rheinland-Pfalz.
At the convenient, well-lit site, drivers will be able to use their compulsory 45-minute break to access facilities such as toilets, food and drink while having their available range boosted by 150–200 km.
Speaking for BP, which also makes coolant and lubrication fluids for electric vehicles under the Castrol On brand, Executive Vice President Emma Delaney said the transition towards electric lorries was starting to become evident, with electrification becoming an appealing option for fleet operators. She added that opening their first truck-charging station was:
“An important milestone for BP and the industry. Schwegenheim is a perfect example of what the industry needs—ultra-fast charging with safe charging bays for trucks, close to strategic road networks and a place where drivers can take a break and refresh with food and drinks.”
Sales of electric trucks in Europe are expected to exceed 150,000 units by the end of the decade. While the electrification of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK is still at a nascent stage, DAF did deliver five electric HGVs, each with a 350 kWh battery pack and a 210 kW electric motor, to Amazon UK this year.
Amazon said the vehicles would avoid the 170 tonnes of CO2 that would otherwise be emitted by traditional HGVs when travelling the same 100,000 miles each year.
