Europe’s lack of readiness for the electrification of heavy transport demands a shift towards exploring alternative technological solutions
Increasing demands for sustainability and emission reductions affect all sectors, including heavy road transport. With good reason – up to 70% of CO2 emissions from European road freight transport are caused by medium and heavy trucks. But while the electrification of passenger cars is well advanced, the electrification of heavy-duty transport is still in its early stages. A major reason is the lack of charging infrastructure.
So, while there are numerous opportunities for electrification, including heavy-duty transport, we must recognise that Europe is not ready to implement electrification on this scale.
Charging infrastructure is key
Charging infrastructure is usually identified as one of the main problems (not the only one) of the transport industry, and when it comes to heavy transport, battery-powered trucks have specific requirements for charging infrastructure. The charging point for an electric truck must be suitable in terms of size and accessibility, charging station power, location (especially in the corridors of trans-European transport networks) and last but not least, reliability. In an industry with constant pressure on performance and driving time, no one can afford delays due to a faulty charger.
Charging infrastructure for trucks is a prerequisite for the successful electrification of commercial road transport, and the unfortunate fact is that the European infrastructure for battery-powered trucks still has major gaps.
Europe is not ready for electrification
Danish Danfoss’ latest experiment demonstrated Europe’s lack of readiness for the electrification of heavy transport. The experiment involved sending an electric truck on a 1300-kilometre trip to Le Mans in France to prove that it is possible to electrify a larger part of the transport sector than is currently the case. However, the trip was complicated by one central issue: charging infrastructure – both in terms of accessibility and, to a large extent, conditions. Additionally, the trip highlighted a notable difference between charging conditions for a truck versus a regular passenger car. In particular, the conditions in France caused delays. The conclusion is clear: electrification is not the only solution.
What do we do next?
We must think beyond traditional methods and open up new opportunities for CO2 reduction. Electrification plays a vital role in reducing transport’s environmental footprint, but a narrow focus limits our ability to address the industry’s challenges effectively. We need to redefine our approach and include innovative solutions that address the challenges of heavy transport holistically.
Addressing CO2 emissions beyond electric vehicles
Instead of focusing solely on electrification, which involves challenges such as infrastructure development and battery limitations, the industry could benefit from moving beyond conventional methods and electric vehicles.
There are other technological solutions that can promote and accelerate the green transition in the transport industry. One of them is solar energy. By installing a solar solution on trucks or trailers, we can minimise a major contributor to CO2 emissions: Idling. Idle time is an often overlooked aspect, but a major part of CO2 emissions occurs during idling when trucks are parked. Using solar energy, we can minimise idling and accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy while achieving significant savings – both environmentally and financially. All without the need to rely on charging infrastructure and compromise operational efficiency and driver comfort, as the solar solution can provide the energy to power the vehicle’s electrical systems while parked.
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Ready to implement a solar energy solution designed to reduce CO2 emissions, increase fuel savings, and enhance comfort and efficiency for heavy-duty transportation? Contact us now to discuss how we can support your transport operations.
