E-Truck Charging: Where the Economics of Electric Trucking Begin

Where E-truck profitability is made

Profitability starts at the depot.

Heavy-duty logistics is going electric. But only if it makes economic sense.

For freight operators choosing between diesel, HVO, LNG and electric vehicles, one question matters most: is it worth it? And if so, how?

Our answer is not based on wishful thinking, but on three key factors: charging infrastructure tailored to your operational requirements, energy strategies that avoid peak loads and maximize self-generated solar power, and site concepts that do not disrupt operations but make them more efficient.

The result: shorter downtime, higher fleet availability, predictable energy costs, and a business case that delivers.

Why build your own charging infrastructure – instead of using public charging stations?

Public charging networks for electric trucks are expanding steadily, supported by providers such as Milence, Aral pulse, and TruckCharge. They play an important role in enabling long-haul transport. However, for the cost-effective operation of electric trucks and the reliable performance of logistics fleets, dedicated depot charging infrastructure remains the foundation for success.

Manage energy costs

Charging at your own depot – using your own electricity contract, PV self-generated electricity with battery storage, dynamic rates, or self-generated solar power – is significantly cheaper than public HPC charging.

Ensure availability

At your own facility, vehicles can charge regardless of occupancy, maintenance windows, or public charging availability.

Increase operational efficiency

Intermediate charging during loading and unloading processes increases the vehicles’ daily operational time without requiring additional stops at a public charging network.

When is an electric truck economically viable?

The German Federation of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (DSLV) cites approximately 35 cents/kWh as the threshold at which electric trucks are now economically more viable than diesel trucks.

Depot charging reduces energy costs

With depot charging infrastructure, dynamic rates, and optimization of self-consumption through to energy trading, energy costs are often 50–70% lower than public HPC charging costs.

Lower operating costs

Fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less brake wear reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% compared to diesel trucks.

Funding strengthens the business case

Programs such as KsNI or AFIF can cover up to 80% of additional investment costs, depending on the project and timeframe.

CO₂ costs are changing the economics of diesel

With EU ETS 2 from 2027 and rising CO₂ prices, the economic advantage is shifting toward electric mobility.

TCO assessment for real-world usage profiles

With the VAROPreem Group’s TCO tool, we analyze vehicles, routes, and scenarios individually, providing a solid foundation for informed investment decisions.

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What does your ideal charging infrastructure for electric trucks look like?

We work with you to develop a solution tailored precisely to your requirements and designed to make your logistics operations measurably more efficient.

Discover what your ideal charging infrastructure looks like