• Commitment to Growth: the 12 charging points are just the beginning. More hubs planned across Germany, Europe’s largest road transport market
• A Driver-Centric Design: The hubs offer high quality amenities such as secure parking, lounges and Wi-Fi to enhance the driver experience, in addition to high performance charging
Amsterdam, December 5, 2024 – Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, has officially entered Germany – the largest road transport market in Europe – with the opening of two state-of-the-art public charging hubs near Leipzig. Strategically located along major freight corridors, these hubs will connect Berlin with southern Germany and Poland, marking a major milestone in Milence’s mission to accelerate fossil-free road transport.
The newly operational hubs offer high power charging of up to 400 kW and are positioned to optimise connectivity and convenience for drivers:
Hermsdorfer Kreuz, Thüringen – Situated on the A4 motorway between Poland and Frankfurt am Main, this strategically located hub has eight charging bays and serves as a major hub for freight traffic. It provides universal access for all heavy-duty electric trucks, regardless of make.
Vockerode, Sachsen-Anhalt – Located on the A9 between Berlin and Leipzig, and offering four charging bays, this hub is adjacent to a secure truck park offering premium amenities, including lounge areas, showers, and restrooms.
Germany: A Critical Market for the Transition to Electric Transport
With over 30% of Europe’s road freight passing through its borders, Germany represents a cornerstone in Milence’s strategy. These hubs will soon be joined by additional ones in Kassel Lohfelden, Koblenz, Himmelkron, Hüttenberg, Kirchberg an der Jagst and Recklinghausen, with more hubs under development in 10 markets to meet the growing demand for electric road freight infrastructure.
Commitment to Market Needs
Speaking about the opening, Milence CEO, Anja van Niersen said: “The opening of our first two hubs in Germany is a testament to our commitment to keeping pace with the market’s growing demand for reliable and accessible electric charging infrastructure. As the dominant road transport market in Europe, Germany is pivotal in driving the transition to fossil-free road transport. We are determined to maintain this momentum and work with all local stakeholders to prioritise infrastructure and build in line with market demand.”
Hartmut Höppner, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport who attended the inauguration added “No electric trucks without charging infrastructure: The newly opened charging hub for battery electric trucks near Hermsdorfer Kreuz is an important step by Milence to expand the public fast-charging infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles. The expansion of this infrastructure is a key building block for the successful ramp-up of electric trucks in logistics. We appreciate Milence’s contribution, which complements our own efforts to create a comprehensive, needs-based and reliable fast-charging network for trucks along the federal highways. Our goal must be to shape the framework conditions in such a way that electric trucks can be operated economically successfully in the transport industry. Milence’s commitment is an important contribution to this.”
Multiple Payment Options and Transparent Pricing
Milence ensures accessibility and transparency for all users with a robust payment system. Partnerships with leading e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs) enable drivers to pay using a variety of charging cards. Direct payment options via the Milence App and bank cards are also available. The default charging tariff is €0.399 per kWh (excluding VAT), with pricing details displayed on the Milence app and at each charging point.
Sustainability at the Core
Milence hubs are built with sustainability in mind. All charging stations use 100% green energy, and construction practices prioritize CO2 reduction, including innovative concrete solutions that ensure a 30-year lifespan with minimal environmental impact.
Enhancing the Driver Experience
In addition to high-performance charging, Milence hubs provide a safe and comfortable environment for drivers. Amenities include secure, fenced parking areas with access control, illuminated spaces, camera surveillance, Wi-Fi, and facilities for rest and refreshment, creating an optimal recharge experience for both drivers and their vehicles.
