Charging strategies for e-trucks: On the road, in the depot & at the ramp

But what exactly does charging e-trucks and buses look like in practice? Three central scenarios can be distinguished - with megawatt charging (MCS) as a key factor in long-distance transport:

If e-trucks have to be charged along the route due to long distances or low charging levels, publicly accessible charging points are usually used. However, long-distance transport also requires charging times that are comparable to refuelling stops. This is where the Megawatt Charging System comes in:

Power

The Megawatt Charging System enables charging capacities of up to 1.5 megawatts - around ten times that of conventional fast-charging stations. This means that even large batteries with a capacity of 600 to 1,000 kWh can be charged to around 80% in just 30 to 45 minutes. This high charging capacity is comparable to classic refuelling stops - a decisive advantage in the time management of transport companies.

Area of application

MCS charging points are primarily installed at strategically selected transport hubs along motorways - so-called "charging hubs". These charging hubs must be designed in such a way that they are not only powerful, but also easily accessible for large vehicles and easy to plan while driving.

Advantage

The biggest advantage is the drastic reduction of downtimes - a key cost factor in the logistics business. Drivers can combine their legally required breaks with the loading process, which brings additional efficiency. In addition, MCS increases flexibility in route management and enables continuous electric operation even on long-haul routes.

Challenge

The development of such a charging infrastructure is technically and organizationally demanding. An MCS charging point requires a grid connection capacity in the megawatt range. Close coordination between grid operators, energy suppliers, site operators and logistics companies is necessary here.

But what does that look like in practice?

A long-distance truck starts in the morning from Hamburg to Munich. After 400 km, he drives to a charging hub on the A7. While the driver takes his legally required 45-minute break, the battery is brought to around 80% via an MCS system with 1 MW of charging power. After that, he can manage the rest of the distance without any problems.

Charging at night, driving during the day - night charging uses the regular rest periods of trucks for efficient and gentle charging. Intelligent load management can be used to control which vehicle must be fully charged at what time. For fleets with fixed rotations - for example in local transport or city logistics, overnight depot charging offers an efficient solution:

Power

While high charging capacities are required on the road, charging capacities of between 50 and 200 kW per vehicle are often sufficient in the depot area. This sounds small compared to MCS, but it is completely sufficient: Vehicles stand still for many hours, usually at night, and can be fully charged during this time without any problems.

Area of application

This strategy is particularly suitable for fleets with clearly defined daily routes and plannable return times, e.g. in city logistics, parcel services, municipal operations or company transport. The company's own depot also offers ideal conditions for central control and monitoring of charging processes. Grid utilization can also be optimized using intelligent load management systems.

Advantage

The big advantage is cost efficiency: night-time electricity tariffs and the possibility of using electricity from renewable sources or PV systems significantly reduce operating costs. By using intelligent load management systems, grid connection costs can be optimized and load peaks can be avoided - this is easy on the grid and the wallet.

Challenge

Especially with large fleets, it can be challenging to charge all vehicles at the same time and according to demand. This requires high-performance grid connections and smart control systems to avoid peak loads.

Practical example of such a scenario:

A logistics company with 50 e-trucks operates a central warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Each truck travels about 200 km during the day and returns in the evening. Overnight, the vehicles are charged in parallel with a total charging capacity of 200 kW. A load management system distributes the charging power dynamically so that the grid is not overloaded. In the morning, all vehicles are fully loaded again ready for the next tour.

Why leave idle times unused? A third, often underestimated approach is occasional charging while standing at the ramp. Perfect for logistics centers with fixed idle times:

Power

Charging capacities in the range of 200 to 400 kW are used here. These are ideal for charging times between 30 and 90 minutes, which is exactly the amount of time a truck typically spends unloading at the dock.

Area of application

This solution is particularly suitable for distribution centres, branch logistics companies, wholesalers or industrial companies where several locations are regularly supplied and the vehicles spend charging time at the site anyway.

Advantage

The main advantage is the efficient use of existing idle times: while the vehicle is being unloaded, energy flows into the battery in parallel. This creates range buffers that help to avoid additional charging stops on the way - a real gain in efficiency in the busy schedule of many logistics companies.

Challenge

Integration into the existing infrastructure and operating processes requires planning: traffic management, safety distances, charging availability and energy supply must be optimally coordinated. In addition, a high-performance grid connection directly at the ramp is required - this is structurally and organizationally complex.

Occasional charging in practice

A supermarket logistics company is equipping its ramp stations with 300 kW charging points. While the driver delivers to a branch in the morning and the truck stands at the dock for 60 minutes, the vehicle recharges around 200 kWh at the same time. This means that the truck can serve several branches a day without having to charge additionally on the road.

The future of electric heavy-duty transport does not lie in a single solution, but in the flexible interaction of all three charging strategies:

- On the road: MCS ensures fast range extension and becomes an indispensable technology in long-distance transport.

- At night in the depot: Plannable, cost-effective charging with simultaneous grid relief.

- During the day at the ramp: Maximum use of existing downtime without additional operating costs.

Fleet operators who invest in a holistic charging strategy today will gain clear advantages - ecologically, economically and operationally.

The MCS becomes the key to long-distance transport, while depot and ramp loading ensure flexibility and cost-effectiveness in everyday life. Logistics or bus companies that invest in a holistic charging strategy today will gain decisive advantages - both ecologically and economically.

Learn more about Bus & Truck Charging here