Germany / Sweden – Commercial vehicle manufacturers, Daimler Trucks AG, Traton Group and Volvo Group have signed a non-binding agreement to install and operate a high-performance public charging network for battery electric heavy-duty long-haul trucks and coaches across Europe. The joint aim is to initiate and accelerate the build-up of charging infrastructure to enhance customer confidence and to support EU’s transformation to climate-neutral transportation.

The agreement lays a foundation for a future joint venture - equally owned by the three parties, planning to start operations in 2022. They intend to invest together EUR500m to install and operate at least 1,700 high-performance green energy charging points close to highways as well as at logistic and destination points, within five years from the establishment of the JV. Further increase in the number of charging points is, in due course, intended to be increased significantly by seeking additional partners as well as public funding. The future JV is planned to operate under its own corporate identity and is to be based in Amsterdam.