Shell is driving the expansion of electric mobility in heavy-duty transport and has announced an Europe-wide, integrated charging network for battery-electric trucks. The concept aims to make it easier for fleet operators to switch to emission-free powertrains. In model calculations, Shell states that the total cost of ownership – the so-called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – depending on usage profile, energy prices, vehicle utilization and existing infrastructure, could be reduced by up to 25 percent.
The planned network combines different 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 reduce the investment costs for companies. The offering is aimed particularly 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
At the heart of the network is the so-called 'hybrid Shell Card', with 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 processes could be targeted and energy costs optimized, as stated.
For the technical implementation of the depot-based charging infrastructure, Shell's subsidiary SBRS is responsible. The company supplies the required hardware, handles software integration, and manages 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 put a total of 90 electric trucks into operation by the end of 2025 and, at
the same time, install 90 charging points at its own sites. The charging infrastructure will be built exclusively on the company's premises and tailored to the company's specific requirements.
An essential advantage for participating companies, according to Shell, lies in the possibility to combine different charging locations and to manage energy consumption intelligently. This allows peak loads to be avoided and the strain on the grid reduced. In addition, fleet operators can make their own charging points available to external users outside peak times and thereby generate additional revenue.
Shell also envisions discounted and stable electricity prices per kilowatt-hour
