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In January, the Traton Group, Daimler Truck, and the Volvo Group announced plans to form a joint venture to build a high-power charging network for commercial EVs in Europe. Now the companies have completed the final steps in forming the new JV, and have appointed Anja van Niersen, a charging industry veteran who previously served as CEO and Chair of a major European charging network, as CEO.
The JV, which will be based in Amsterdam, plans to install and operate at least 1,700 “green energy charge points” near highways and logistics hubs across Europe. The parties have committed to invest €500 million in the new network, which will be open to all heavy commercial vehicles in Europe, regardless of brand.
“The JV intends to take a catalyzing role as a charge point operator (CPO) in the value chain by installing and managing charging stations for heavy-duty trucks and coaches,” said the three parties. “With a strong customer-driven approach focusing on transport operators’ specific needs, the JV will provide reliable and accessible high-performance charging stations for all battery-electric heavy-duty vehicle fleet operators.”
“When we talk to customers about electric trucks, they always ask: where can we charge?” said Traton Group CEO Christian Levin. “To support [the industry] as fast as possible, we are teaming up and kick-starting the European charging network. With Anja van Niersen, this JV has a CEO with a great deal of experience in setting up charging networks.”
“This is a long-awaited and major step towards achieving the required charging infrastructure for the roll-out and success of battery-electric long-haul trucks and coaches,” said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of the Volvo Group. “We are making what would be impossible for one actor alone to accomplish.”
“We call on the entire industry to join in our effort,” said Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum. “The number of charge points has to increase significantly as fast as possible to make electric long-haul trucking a viable solution for our customers.”
Source: Traton
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