The seventh episode of our podcast is a conversation with Koen Noyens, Head of Public Affairs at Milence.

Milence was established in mid-2022 as a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON Group, and the Volvo Group.

Koen Noyens explained that Milence will roll out a network of public charging facilities for long-haul heavy-duty vehicles across Europe. The target is to build a minimum of 1,700 charging points by the end of 2027. These charging facilities are expected to work across models and brands.

He highlighted that Milence’s strategy is to signal to the industry that the public network will be available for them and that they should therefore embrace the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Milence expects EU Member States to follow suit with the agreed targets under the adopted Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) which is applicable since April 2024. Member States have the obligation to build or attract private investments to build public charging hubs dedicated to this vehicle category, following the agreed timeline. The new CO2 emission reduction standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) which are very close to final adoption are another powerful regulatory driver with a 45% emission reduction goal by 2030, a 65% by 2035 and a 90% by 2040 for new HDVs.

The conversation went on about the challenges and bottlenecks standing in the way for players such as Milence. The main issue remains the lack of grid availability, namely the lack of visibility and clear timelines on the expansion of grid capacities, and the competition with solar or wind project developers whom are also in need of extra grid capacity. A more structural barrier is the inappropriate remuneration scheme and lack of financial incentives for distribution network operators (DSOs). As a result, they are not encouraged to invest further into their networks.

Milence added that their charging hubs will provide a premium recharging experience, keeping the drivers and the goods safe and giving them access to the most modern amenities possible.

The discussion touched upon how other regions/countries, such as China and India, approach electrification of the heavy-duty sector.

Despite the challenges, Koen Noyens highlighted that there are opportunities for many players, including land owners, they are essential in the development of these charging hubs for long-haul heavy-duty vehicles.

In the end, Koen Noyens believes that battery electric vehicles are the most cost-effective vehicles compared with other technologies, as energy accounts for a major share of the total cost of ownership.