Where overnight truck charging makes the most sense 

The electrification of road transport is no longer “around the corner”, it is happening right now. Electric trucks are entering fleets across Europe, driven by regulation, technological progress, and the rising demand for sustainable logistics. This shift raises a crucial question: where should overnight truck charging infrastructure be located to deliver maximum impact, for carriers, for parking operators, and for the energy transition as a whole?
 
To answer this question, we carried out dedicated research into the most effective areas for overnight truck charging. By looking at both today’s situation and the developments still to come, our study offers valuable insights into how charging your fleet, and where, can best be deployed in the years ahead.

Looking beyond today’s needs
Rather than focusing only on the current market, we took a forward-looking perspective. We factored in the expected growth of battery capacity and charging power, the rising share of electric trucks in the overall fleet, and the uncertainty around real-world battery performance. Decisions made today must remain relevant for years to come, which makes this future-oriented approach essential. 

Any large-scale study requires assumptions. In our case, we worked with a scenario in which fast chargers operate reliably and deliver sufficient power, electrification spreads evenly across Europe, and trucks generally follow their most direct routes. We also assumed that current (depot) truck parking locations could serve as potential sites for installing chargers. These starting points allowed us to model realistic scenarios while keeping the focus on identifying the most effective locations for overnight charging. 

Connecting the data
To arrive at meaningful insights, we combined several layers of data. We analyzed major European transport corridors, shortest-route patterns, and actual truck movements. This was enriched with technical data on battery capacity and realistic driving ranges, alongside the distribution of existing parking facilities. By overlaying these elements, we created a detailed picture of where overnight charging is practical and most commercially viable.

What this means for potential charging locations
The research points to a few clear conclusions:

• Carriers will need overnight charging as standard infrastructure; it will soon become as essential as fuel pumps.
• Commercial truck parkings and depots are in a strong position to capture this demand, attract new customers, and generate additional revenue.
• Opening your private chargers to third parties (whenever it fits operations) accelerates return on investment and helps to build the backbone of Europe’s charging network.

The business case for offering overnight charging
Offering overnight charging spots is way more than an operational adjustment; it is a strategic opportunity to position your company or parking location at the heart of the first steps in Europe’s logistics energy transition. Investing in chargers today means preparing for your own fleet tomorrow, while also creating immediate business potential. The ones who act early will not only benefit financially, but also help close critical gaps in Europe’s charging infrastructure.

TRAVIS can help you understand the potential demand in your area and what is needed to get started. We provide guidance on the first steps, from planning to implementation, and can support you in managing requests from third parties who want to make use of your charging facilities. Curious to see whether your site could become a charging hotspot? Get in touch with us to explore the insights in detail via [email protected].