Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Belgium plans to open 30 public charging bays for e-trucks within two years, starting in Antwerp’s port. Milence, Fastned, and G&V Energy Group are among those investing in charging infrastructure.
Belgium intends to open 30 public loading bays for e-trucks in the next two years to assist in boosting the electrification of freight transport. The first of these bays will be established in the port of Antwerp next month. The charging posts for electric trucks will open along motorways, in industrial sites and at logistic hubs.
Who Are the Key Players in Belgium’s Charging Infrastructure?
Several players will be involved with the supply and development of these public loading bays. Milence has funding of 500 million euros to create a network of 1,700 truck charging points in Europe by 2027. They will turn their engagement to the port of Ghent early next year following the initial two loading docks in the port of Antwerp.
The Dutch charging station designer Fastned plans to develop some existing fast-charge areas in Flanders by adding bays for passenger cars and a particular section for electric trucks on both sides of the E19 motorway in Peutie.
Waregem petrol station operator G&V Energy Group has auctioned about 15 million euros to supply 16 of its truck filling stations with ultra-fast chargers within two years. Two main fuelling concessions along the E17 motorway in Marke around Kortrijk, which the company is taking over from Shell, will also be provided with truck charging infrastructure.
“What Factors Are Driving the Growth of E-Truck Charging?
Demand for electric transport is anticipated to grow systematically, given the more demanding European emissions measures for truck makers and the sinking costs of batteries and e-trucks. However, diesel trucks still outnumber e-trucks as the latter costs two to three times its counterpart.
In the first three months of 2024, Viapass estimated 150,000 diesel trucks every day on Belgian highways subject to road pricing versus 118 e-trucks. The number of e-trucks in a Belgian carrier’s fleet is usually restricted to two, the maximum number for which the company can use for federal subsidies. Chinese player Windrose is considering building a factory in Antwerp with the pledge of long-haul electric trucks with batteries for 250,000 euros.
What Subsidy Programs Exist for E-Truck Charging in Belgium?
Moreover, Since the beginning of 2023, companies located in Flanders have been competent to trucks apply for subsidies to install charging points, in the expectation of a large-scale roll-out of electric in the coming years. Companies are suitable to be reimbursed for 20% of their total asset, for a maximum amount of 300,000 per company.
Many businesses have been quick to benefit from the abundant subsidy. Major employers such as Bpost, Colruyt, bus company Keolis, and charging network carriers Allego and Fastned have applied for substantial subsidies from the Flemish Region. In total, €6.3 million has been committed by the region for truck charging infrastructure, according to Flemish transport minister Lydia Peeters.
