Commercial vehicle manufacturers Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and the Traton Group have agreed to create a joint venture to build and operate a high-power public charging network for heavy-duty long-haul trucks and coaches across Europe.

The planned JV, which will be equally owned by the three firms, is scheduled to start operations in 2022. The parties have committed to invest a total of €500 million. The plan is to deploy at least 1,700 charging points on and close to highways, as well as at logistic centers and destination points, within five years. The new charging network will be open and accessible to all commercial vehicles, regardless of brand.

“Innovative partnerships like these will enable the much-needed change that will benefit our customers and the entire industry,” said Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of the Volvo Group. “This is both a historical milestone in the transformation towards fossil-free transport and a breakthrough that shows Volvo Group’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.”

“Today’s signing announcement underlines all of the partners’ strong commitment to making CO₂-neutral trucks a reality,” said Martin Daum, CEO of Daimler Truck. “It is remarkable that three fierce competitors in the area of trucks and vehicle technology are taking action together to start establishing the needed charging infrastructure.” 

“The Traton Group, together with our brands Scania and MAN, will be part of the solution when it comes to a CO₂-neutral world,” said Traton Group CEO Christian Levin. “A collaboration with strong competitors like Daimler Truck and Volvo Group might seem unusual. However, this unique cooperation will make us faster and more successful in delivering the transformational action needed to tackle climate change. Our joint venture will be a strong push for the rapid breakthrough of battery-electric trucks and coaches, the most efficient and sustainable transport solutions.”

Source: Volvo