Shell is driving the expansion of electromobility in heavy-duty transport and has announced a Europe-wide, integrated charging network for battery-electric trucks. The concept aims to ease the transition for fleet operators to emissions-free drivetrains. In model calculations, Shell talks about reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) — depending on operating profile, energy prices, vehicle utilization, and existing infrastructure — by up to 25 percent.
The planned network combines various charging options: public fast charging points along motorways, semi-public depot charging stations with controlled access, and private charging points that can be opened flexibly to third
parties. With this, Shell aims to close infrastructure gaps, improve the utilization of existing charging facilities, and lower the investment costs for companies. The offering is targeted especially at fleet operators who do not have their own charging infrastructure or require additional flexibility.
Hybrid Shell Card provides access to the Shell Recharge network
The core of the network is the so-called "hybrid Shell Card", through which drivers and dispatchers gain access to all components of the Shell Recharge network. It enables centralized billing of all charging operations, offers uniform terms of use, and supports fleet managers
through transparent data analyses. In this way, charging operations could be controlled and energy costs optimized, as stated.
For the technical implementation of depot-based charging infrastructure, Shell subsidiary SBRS is responsible. The company provides the required hardware, handles software integration, as well as the electrical connection of the charging points.
Pilot project with the Duisburg-based container logistics company Contargo
A first extensive pilot project is currently being realized with the Duisburg-based container logistics company Contargo. Contargo plans to bring a total of 90 electric trucks into operation by the end of 2025 and, at the same
time, to install 90 charging points at its own sites. The charging infrastructure will be erected exclusively on the company’s premises and tailored to the specific requirements of the company.
A key advantage for participating companies, according to Shell, lies in the ability to combine different charging locations and to manage energy consumption intelligently. This can help avoid peak loads and reduce grid stress. In addition, fleet operators can make their own charging points available to external users outside peak times and thus generate additional revenue.
Shell also envisions discounted and stable electricity prices per kilowatt-hour
