Europe's largest transportation market has made a significant step towards developing a larger, more comprehensive charging infrastructure for battery-electric, zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Milence, the European joint venture signed in 2022 between Daimler Truck, Traton Group, and Volvo Group, has officially inaugurated two state-of-the-art charging hubs near Leipzig, Germany. Germany is the continent's largest road transport market. The hubs' location are strategically located along key freight corridors connecting Berlin with Southern Germany and Poland.
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The first hub can be found in Hermsdorfer Kreuz, Thuringen on the A4 motorway between Poland and Frankfurt am Main. It consists of eight charging bays, all of which provide universal access for HD battery-electric trucks from every manufacturer. The second hub, in Vockerode, Sachsen-Anhalt on the A9 between Berlin and Leipzig, boasts fewer charging bays (four in total) but does offer drivers access to a secure truck park with illuminated spots where they can find lounge areas with showers and restrooms, Wi-Fi, and even some light refreshments.
"The opening of our first two hubs in Germany is a testament to our commitment to keeping pace with the market's growing demand for reliable and accessible electric charging infrastructure," said Milence CEO Anja van Niersen. "As the dominant road transport market in Europe, Germany is pivotal in driving the transition to fossil-free road transport. We are determined to maintain this momentum and work with all stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure and build in line with market demand."
Over 30 percent of Europe's annual road freight goes through Germany, which is why Milence is opening additional charging hubs near six more cities and another 10 in various stages of development. Every hub utilizes 100 percent green energy and is constructed with efficient and affordable materials such as concrete with a 30-year lifespan.
Along with universal charging access, Milence makes it easy to pay for the power thanks to partnerships with e-mobility service providers. Direct payment can also be made via the Milence App. The default charge rate is 0.399 Euro per kWh, not including tax. The app shows final pricing at the end of each charging session.
Last January, the North American divisions of Volvo Trucks, Navistar, and Daimler Truck began a collaboration similar to Milence but was rebranded as Powering America's Commercial Transportation (PACT). Together, these manufacturers represent 70 percent of all new Class 6-8 truck sales in the U.S. alone.
[Related: Daimler Truck, Volvo Trucks and Navistar ink battery truck 'PACT']
