A new study shows that depot charging is the way forward for a rapid market ramp-up of battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). Battery-electric trucks (BETs) are already competitive with internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks in regional freight transport. OEMs expect that the share of BETs among European HDV sales in 2030 will be more than one-third. In anticipation of that, the time to electrify depots is now.
Charging infrastructure for electric trucks is now the key lever for the rapid market ramp-up of BETs. While the EU regulation AFIR mandates the installation of fast-charging points along the TEN-T network for long-haul transport by 2030, depot charging plays a central role in regional freight transport.
Findings
Depot charging powers regional battery-electric logistics
Depot charging is sufficient for regional delivery (up to 300 km per day), as most trucks return to the depot at the end of the day and can be charged there overnight. Trucks used in shift operations can be electrified using fast charging infrastructure at the depot and at the destination. Almost half of the trucks in France, Germany and the UK could be covered by depot charging and would not rely on public charging infrastructure. This is particularly relevant in the coming years as the AFIR directive is being implemented. Depot charging significantly increases the planning security for the operation of BETs. This will also have a positive impact on the demand for public charging infrastructure.
Grid Readiness: The Bottleneck for Depot Electrification
In all analysed countries, grid extension plans underestimate the future demand for BET charging in depots. Of all countries, France’s medium-voltage grid is best prepared for depot charging, particularly in industrial areas. As of mid 2025, the EU mandates grid capacity transparency through the revised electricity market legislation, which simplifies the planning of depot electrification in France, Germany and Spain.
Policy recommendations
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Plan grid capacities and depot-grid connections proactively
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Implement a right to plug for depot charging and encourage shared depot charging
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Support electrification of depots with simple funding instruments
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Ensure enabling conditions for depot charging
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Mandate V2G-ready charging infrastructure
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Provide and improve accessible information for logistics companies, especially small and medium-sized companies
Download the briefing for a breakdown of key findings and policy recommendations and the full report for a comprehensive deep dive.
