The German government has unveiled plans to build a nationwide fast-charging network for heavy-duty vehicles, reports Reuters.

The project, known as “Power to the Road,” is a key part of Germany’s strategy to decarbonise the transport sector by 2045, aligning with the broader European Union climate goals.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has made substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reaching the lowest levels in 70 years as of 2023.

However, the transport sector remains a persistent challenge, consistently failing to meet climate targets. Data from Germany’s Environment Agency shows that commercial vehicles, particularly heavy long-distance road haulage powered predominantly by diesel, account for around a third of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

While trucks’ carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre have decreased by 8.4% since 1995, the overall rise in freight transport has resulted in a 21% increase in total CO2 emissions from the sector.

“Power to the Road” Project

The “Power to the Road” project is crucial to Germany’s plan to transition heavy road haulage to green energy. “Our goal is to let trucks only run on green electricity,” stated Economy Minister Robert Habeck.

Additionally, Transport Minister Volker Wissing believes “a powerful charging infrastructure forms the backbone of tomorrow’s climate-friendly mobility and logistics. With the truck fast-charging network, we are launching a real mammoth project.”

The initiative aims to create an extensive and user-friendly fast-charging infrastructure along highways, facilitating the rapid adoption of electric trucks.

Around 350 locations will be equipped with truck-compatible fast-charging stations, with public tenders for approximately 130 planned locations set to be issued in late summer.

Germany’s Growing Charging Network for EVs

In addition to the “Power to the Road” project, Germany is working on a comprehensive charging network that includes 9,000 High Power Charger  fast-charging points for electric cars and light commercial vehicles.

The federal government is investing approximately €1.9 billion in this network, with the charging points expected to be operational by 2026.