HoLa – High performance charging for long-haul trucking

Battery-electric trucks are locally CO2-free and all major manufacturers have announced series production models for the coming years. However, the transport profiles in long-distance operation with heavy trucks pose special challenges with regard to charging systems, energy supply and locations in order to be able to charge battery-electric trucks sufficiently quickly within the statutory break times of 45 minutes between two trips.

In the present project, two high-performance charging points with the so-called Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) will be set up, operated and used in real logistics operations at four locations. In a first step, two CCS charging points for trucks will be planned and built at five locations along the A2 between Berlin and the Ruhr region, making maximum use of the specification limits. Three locations directly at the motorway will be used, as well as two locations in logistics hubs (see graphic). These locations will be used for the early integration of electric trucks into logistics processes and as a test case for the novel fast charging of electric trucks as well as the collection of real usage experiences. At the end of the project, ten CCS charging points and eight MCS charging points will be available spread over five locations to support the real-life testing of this new system and form the basis for a nationwide expansion of this technology. Four truck manufacturers are participating in the project and will supply a total of eight CCS and four MCS vehicles, operate them with the help of other partners and charge them along the route. The construction and operation of vehicles and infrastructure is accompanied by extensive research activities. The goal here is also to provide the blueprint for a nationwide expansion.