Daimler Truck UK is intensifying its appeal for substantial investment in the nation’s public charging infrastructure. This crucial step, the company argues, will accelerate the electric transformation of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The call follows the UK government’s recent announcement of £30 million for its Depot Charging Scheme (DCS), part of a larger £63 million package to drive Britain’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution.
Beyond Depots: The Critical Need for Public HGV Charging
James Venables, Daimler Truck UK’s Head of Future Sustainability, views the Depot Charging Scheme as a positive starting point. “This is a great start, but there is more to do,” Venables stated. He emphasized that truly effective public HGV charging points need two key elements: adequately high power ratings and optimal strategic locations across the UK road network. Furthermore, public charging solutions must be cost-effective and smartly designed. They should offer essential features like pre-booking options and real-time availability displays for HGV drivers.
Venables underscored the industry’s need for this enhanced infrastructure. This will solidify confidence among operators. “We help operators considering eHGVs to overcome perceived obstacles,” he explained. Now, the industry needs public charging stations to remove any final doubts that electric trucks are the future.“
Recent data supports this urgency. As of July 1, 2025, the UK had over 82,000 public EV charging devices. However, only 20% (around 16,677) were rated at 50kW or above. This power level is often insufficient for efficient HGV charging. Consequently, a notable gap exists between general EV charging and the high-power needs of heavy-duty transport.
Seamless Integration: Charging Within HGV Daily Operations
Making battery-powered trucks practical for UK transport involves seamlessly integrating charging into daily work routines. Venables advocates for vehicles to top up batteries during pre-existing stationary periods. This includes mandatory driver breaks, removing the need for extra stops. Ideally, operators would use a mix of their own depot charging facilities, delivery site charging, and strategically placed points on the wider road network.
High-powered and Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) are central to this strategy. These technologies allow battery top-ups to align perfectly with driver rest periods, maximizing efficiency. For example, Daimler Truck’s eActros 600 truck offers a range of at least 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge at 40t Gross Combination Weight (GCW). Using standard CCS charging at up to 400kW, it recharges from 20-80% in under 60 minutes. When Megawatt Charging (up to 3.75MW) becomes more widespread, this charging time is projected to drop to about 30 minutes. This could enable the truck to cover over 1,000 km (620 miles) in a single day without disrupting driver schedules.
Daimler Truck’s Proactive Support and Collaborative Drive
Daimler Truck actively supports operators in this transition. Its comprehensive TruckCharge service offers free expert advice and support. This includes transformation strategies for decarbonization and ESG targets, detailed route and cost analyses (covering potential subsidies and tax breaks), and practical digital charging management with payments via Mercedes ServiceCard.
Furthermore, the private sector is making significant progress in HGV public charging infrastructure. Daimler Truck is a key partner in Milence. This pivotal joint venture with Volvo Group and the Traton Group aims to build high-performance public charging networks across Europe and the UK. Milence’s first UK hub in Immingham is already operational. It provides high-power CCS chargers, with future MCS expansion planned.
Building Confidence for a Zero-Emission Logistics Future
Venables firmly believes that a robust, accessible public infrastructure forms the cornerstone for widespread adoption of sustainable transportation in the HGV sector. “The more we can do to support early adopters of electric trucks,” he explained, “the more vehicles will be seen on our roads. This will give other operators confidence that electric trucks can work successfully in the real world.“
Daimler Truck is deeply committed to a zero-emission future. It aims for its entire model range to consist of zero-emission vehicles by 2039. This will be achieved through a dual technology strategy, embracing both electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. The company’s dealer network is fully prepared for this shift. Dealers offer extensive eConsulting, product, technician, and handover training. Now all the industry needs is the investment in public charging stations to remove any final doubts that electric trucks are the future,” Venables concluded, emphasizing the shared goal of a sustainable, electrified logistics landscape.
