E-trucks in logistics How do you get started?

The transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles is a key challenge for the logistics industry and an important step toward achieving climate goals in the transportation sector. At the same time, this transition is creating new demands on infrastructure, planning, and operations, particularly when it comes to charging electric trucks.

On this page you will find an overview of the current support services offered by the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure specifically for logistics companies - bundled and presented in a practical way. The offers are continuously being expanded and are geared towards practical requirements.

What advantages do e-trucks offer for logistics?

Toll-free until 2031 - significant cost advantage
Electric trucks are exempt from the truck toll until the end of June 2031. This significantly reduces operating costs, especially in long-distance transport.

GHG quota increases - long-term economic benefits
The greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota) is set to increase significantly by 2040. This will make emission-free drives even more economically attractive and strategically important.

Integrate charging during operation - without additional downtime
E-trucks are charged where they are parked anyway - in the depot, during loading and unloading or during breaks. Separate refueling stops are no longer necessary.

What role does charging at the depot play?

Depot charging is one of the most important prerequisites for the use of e-trucks. Charging takes place where vehicles are parked anyway—that is, at the maintenance yard or in the depot. This allows charging processes to be efficiently integrated into daily operations. The development of charging infrastructure brings new challenges: from site planning and grid connection to operational processes.

The following offers are available to support you:

"Truck charging infrastructure at the depot" course in the LadeLernTOOL - all the basics in around 70 minutes

The course teaches the contents of the guidelines in a compact and practical way in three modules:

  • Basic knowledge of truck charging infrastructure
  • Planning, setting up and operating the charging infrastructure
  • Economic efficiency of the e-truck fleet

Additional content on electromobility and charging infrastructure is also available in the LadeLernTOOL. It can be used after registering free of charge.

Start your course now!

Guide "Simply charge at the depot"

Published: November 2023

The „Easy charging at the depot“ guide shows how you can efficiently charge your e-trucks directly at depots. It explains the planning, implementation and operation of the charging infrastructure and provides practical tips for a successful entry into low-emission logistics.

To the guide

Call for funding for charging infrastructure for trucks

With this funding program, the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is supporting the development of charging infrastructure for battery-electric heavy commercial vehicles.

In addition to the charging infrastructure, the necessary grid connection, battery storage and load management systems are also funded. Funding is provided via three separate calls with different target groups.

Further information

Which tools support planning and implementation?

StandortTOOL - view existing and planned truck charging infrastructure

The StandortTOOL gives you an overview of the existing public charging infrastructure and the planned locations of the truck fast charging network. This allows you to get an overview of potential charging points along relevant transport axes and take them into account when preparing your routes.

You can also view detailed information on charging capacities, suitability for vehicle lengths and the respective implementation status for each location.

To the locationTOOL

FlächenTOOL - Advancing charging infrastructure on your own company premises

The area tool supports you in accelerating the implementation of charging infrastructure on your company premises:

  • Make your business premises visible as a concrete charging infrastructure project and become discoverable for potential truck charging infrastructure operators (charge point operators, CPOs)
  • Search investor profiles specifically for CPOs (Charge Point Operators) active in the truck charging infrastructure sector

To the surfaceTOOL

News on truck charging infrastructure

Where can I find further information and practical examples?

These practical examples provide insights into companies that are already converting their commercial vehicle fleets to lower-emission solutions. They show concrete procedures and make it possible to learn from experiences, successes and challenges as well as to understand motivation and decision-making processes.

The following applies: The approaches described relate to the specific situation of each individual company.

Further content can be found on the topic pages on charging infrastructure for trucks and the truck fast charging network. 

Charging infrastructure for trucks

Fast charging network for trucks

Practical examples of the transition to low-emission commercial vehicle fleets