"Electrification of commercial vehicles relies heavily on the implementation of depot charging"
In a significant move towards electrifying the transport sector, Shell plans to expand its eDepot electric truck charging infrastructure across more European countries in the coming years. This expansion aims to support the EU's push for electrification and the phase-out of combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
The installation process of this charging infrastructure involves careful consideration of various factors, including the selection of installation sites, grid capacity, and overall energy demand. The design phase of the installation process includes identifying the proper hardware to deploy and identifying where the infrastructure will be placed according to technical and operational specifications.
Shell's expansion into eDepots is not a new concept. The company has already proven the adoption and speed of electrification in the public transport sector. In the future, commercial fleets are expected to zigzag between eDepots and public chargers, eliminating many obstacles, primarily range anxiety.
To ensure a smooth transition, Shell collaborates closely with fleet managers to study fleet profiles and understand charging needs. Training for fleet operators, drivers, and site operators includes learning how to plug in vehicles, monitor the site, and apply safety protocols in EV charging.
Hilmar Van Den Dool, General Manager of eMobility and Global Accounts at Shell, discussed the future of eDepots in Europe. He highlighted the potential of eDepots to revolutionize the way delivery and operational fleets operate.
The key developments driving the depot charging market include developing megawatt charging capabilities, expanding the scope of heavy-duty fleets that are viable for electrification, and applying effective energy-management capabilities.
Moreover, increased integration of private-public assets will remove some barriers in unleashing the large-scale electrification of transport in all segments. The adoption of eDepots is a significant step towards a more sustainable and electrified future for Europe's transport sector.
