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High costs and gaps in the charging network slow down e-trucks in Saxony

High costs and gaps in the charging network slow down e-trucks in Saxony
Truck driver Michael Grimm loads his e-truck on the premises of WP Spedition in Zwickau / Photo: David Hammersen/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
High acquisition costs and a lack of charging stations are making hauliers hesitant to switch to electric trucks. Will the sharp rise in diesel prices now lead to a rethink?

High acquisition costs and large gaps in the public charging network are slowing down the switch to electric trucks in freight transport in Saxony - despite high diesel prices. E-trucks have potential where transportation can be planned - for example in regional and distribution transport as well as in factory traffic with fixed routes, explained Dietmar von der Linde from the Association of the Saxon Transport Industry. "Their use in traditional long-distance transport remains difficult at present, mainly due to the lack of charging infrastructure and limited operational flexibility."

"Diesel is still the more robust system in everyday use," stated von der Linde. However, high fuel prices as a result of the war in Iran are currently causing massive problems for hauliers. This is increasing interest in alternatives. However, this does not automatically lead to the purchase of e-trucks. On the contrary: due to the rise in fuel costs, companies are lacking the money they need to switch to electric vehicles.

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This is because they are significantly more expensive than conventional diesel trucks and therefore not yet competitive, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Dresden. Each electric truck currently contains the equivalent of a second truck as a battery alone. In addition, there are operational restrictions in everyday life with regard to range and charging times. The ministry therefore continues to see other types of drive as alternatives in road freight transport, such as hydrogen as well as synthetic and biological fuels.

"The charging infrastructure is currently the main bottleneck," emphasized von der Linde. "Without a nationwide, efficient charging network along the main transport routes and in companies, the ramp-up of electromobility in freight transport will not succeed." This requires faster approvals, sufficient grid connections and competitive electricity prices.

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