Traton, Daimler and Volvo have signed a joint venture agreement to operate a public charging network for battery electric, heavy-duty, long-haul trucks and coaches across Europe.
Equally owned, it is scheduled to start operations in 2022, subject to regulatory approval.
The three parties are collectively investing €500m (£426m) in the project and will look to install at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charging points on and close to highways, as well as at logistic and destination points, within five years.
This roll-out will then be significantly increased through additional partners and public funding.
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Based in Amsterdam, the JV will operate under its own corporate identity and look to act as a catalyst and enabler for realising the EU’s Green Deal for carbon-neutral freight transportation by 2050.
“We, together with our brands Scania and MAN, as well as the commercial vehicle industry as a whole, will be part of the solution when it comes to a CO2-neutral world,” said Traton Group chief executive Christian Levin.
“A collaboration with strong competitors like Daimler Truck and Volvo Group might seem unusual. However, the topic is of crucial importance and 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,” he added.
